i  •  • 


-        . 


UC-NRLF 


1S3    133 


. 

V  ' 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

PRESENTED  BY 

PROF.  CHARLES  A.  KOFOID  AND 
MRS.  PRUDENCE  W.  KOFOID 


KKG-BAVKU    KOB  THE  NUHSE   X-  SPY. 


UNION  ARMY: 


COMPRISING 


The  Adventures  and  Experiences  of  a  Woman 
in  Hospitals,  Camps,  and  Battle-Fields, 


By  S.  EMMA  E.   EDMONDS. 


WITH    ILLUSTRATIONS. 


jjpubltsljcb  bn  Subscription  cnljj  bn 

¥,  S,  WILLIAMS  &  00,,  HAETPOKD,  CONN, 

JONES  BROS.  &  CO.,  PHILADELPHIA  AND  CINCINNATI. 

J.  A.  STODDARD  &  CO.,  CHICAGO,  ILL. 

1865. 


ACCORDING  TO  ACT  OF  CONGRESS  IN  THE  YEAR  1864, 

Sg  ill  0.  tDilticima  &  dompang 

IN  THH  CLERK'S  OFFICE  OF  THE  DISTRICT  COURT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 
FOR  THE  DISTRICT  OF  CONNECTICUT. 

Printed  by  Wiley,  Waterman,  &.  Eaton,  Hartford.  Conn. 


A-  /  O  Y£ 


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Is    RESPECTFULLY    INSCRIBED 


PORTRAIT  Engraved  on  Steel  "by  G-eo.  E.  Ferine,  1ST.  Y. 

Disgu.ises  and.  otlier  Scenes,  Dra-wn  and  Engraved  on  "Wood 

Tby  R.  O'Brien,  ISTew  York. 


PAGE. 

PORTRAIT  OF  THE  AUTHOR, FRONTISPIECE. 

HOSPITAL  TREE   AT  FAIR  OAKS, It 

CATERING  FOR  HOSPITALS, 94 

DISGUISED  AS  A  CONTRABAND, 113 

MAKING  HOE-CAKE  FOR  A  SICK  REBEL, 153 

ACTING  ORDERLY  ON  THE  BATTLE-FIELD, 178 

RIDING  FOR  LIFE, 217 

RELIEF  FOR  THE  FAMISHING, 228 

DISGUISED  AS  FEMALE  CONTRABAND, 263 

AN  INTERESTING  PATIENT, 272 

PLAYING  POSSUM, 295 

PAYING  A  DEBT  OF  GRATITUDE, 316 

BURSTING  OF  A  SHELL  IN  YICKSBURG,  .  .  .358 


PUBLISHERS'  NOTICE. 


No  APOLOGY  is  necessary  for  adding  one  more  to  the  numer 
ous  "War  Books"  which  already  fill  a  large  space  in  American 
Literature ;  for,  to  the  general  reader,  nothing  connected  with 
the  Rebellion  can  be  more  interesting  than  the  personal  experi 
ences  of  those  who  have  been  intimately  associated  with  the 
different  phases  of  military  life,  in  Camp,  Field,  and  Hospital. 

The  "  Nurse  and  Spy "  is  simply  a  record  of  events  which 
have  transpired  in  the  experience  and  under  the  observation  of 
one  who  has  been  on  the  field  and  participated  in  numerous 
battles — among  which  are  the  first  and  second  Bull  Run,  Wil- 
liamsburg,  Fair  Oaks,  the  Seven  days  in  front  of  Richmond, 
Antietam,  and  Fredericksburg — serving  in  the  capacity  of 
"  Spy  "  and  as  "  Field  Nurse  "  for  over  two  years. 

While  in  the  "  Secret  Service "  as  a  "  Spy,"  which  is  one  of 
the  most  hazardous  positions  in  the  army — she  penetrated  the 
enemy's  lines,  in  various  disguises,  no  less  than  eleven  times ; 
always  with  complete  success  and  without  detection. 

Her  efficient  labors  in  the  different  Hospitals  as  well  as  her 
arduous  duties  as  "  Field  Nurse,"  embrace  many  thrilling  and 
touching  incidents,  which  are  here  most  graphically  described. 


6  NURSE    AND     SPY. 

Should  any  of  her  readers  object  to  some  of  her  disguises,  it 
may  be  sufficient  to  remind  them  it  was  from  the  purest  mo 
tives  and  most  praiseworthy  patriotism,  that  she  laid  aside,  for  a 
time,  her  own  costume,  and  assumed  that  of  the  opposite  sex, 
enduring  hardships,  suffering  untold  privations,  and  hazarding 
her  life  for  her  adopted  country,  in  its  trying  hour  of  need. 

In  the  opinion  of  many,  it  is  the  privilege  of  woman  to  minis 
ter  to  the  sick  and  soothe  the  sorrowing — and  in  the  present  crisis 
of  our  country's  history,  to  aid  our  brothers  to  the  extent  of  her 
capacity — and  whether  duty  leads  her  to  the  couch  of  luxury, 
the  abode  of  poverty,  the  crowded  hospital,  or  the  terrible  bat 
tle  field — it  makes  but  little  difference  what  costume  she  as 
sumes  while  in  the  discharge  of  her  duties. — Perhaps  she 
should  have  the  privilege  of  choosing  for  herself  whatever  may 
be  the  surest  protection  from  insult  and  inconvenience  in  her 
blessed,  self-sacrificing  work. 

The  moral  character  of  the  work,— being  true  to  virtue,  pat 
riotism,  and  philanthropy — together  with  the  fine  embellish 
ments  and  neat  mechanical  execution — will,  we  trust,  render 
it  an  interesting  and  welcome  visitor  at  every  fireside. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Pages  17-28. 

COMMENCEMENT     OF     THE     WAR MY     HOME     AND    MY   DUTY 1 

ENLIST    IN    THE    CAUSE EXCITEMENT    AT     THE    WEST TROOPS 

ON  THE  MARCH MOBS  AT  BALTIMORE TEMPORARY  HOSPI 
TALS UNAVOIDABLE  EVILS BEGGING  FOR  COMFORTS — SUP 
PLIES  FOR  THE  SICK CAMP  HOSPITALS THUNDER  STORMS 

IN     CAMP A      DYING      OFFICER SOLDIERS      IN      THE      PUBLIC 

BUILDINGS PREPARATIONS    FOR   THE    ADVANCE. 

CHAPTER  II. 

Pages  29-41. 

MARCHING      ORDERS REMOVAL     OF     THE     SICK A     YOUNG    PA 
TIENT VISIT  FROM  HIS    MOTHER MARCH    TOWARD    MANASSAS 

COLLECTING  SUPPLIES FATIGUES  OF  THE  MARCH PREPA 
RATIONS  FOR  BATTLE A  CAMP  PRAYER  MEETING DIVISIONS 


CHAPTER    III. 

Pages  41-54. 

WATER  FOR  THE  WOUNDED COL.  CAMERON  KILLED SCENES  ON 

THE  BATTLE-FIELD BURNSIDfi's  BRIGADE CAPTURE  OF  GRIF- 

FIN'S   AND   RICKETT'S  BATTERIES — REBELS  REINFORCED — THE 

PANIC  AND     RETREAT THE     WOUNDED     AT     CENTERVILLE MY 

RECONNOISSANCE AN  INSANE  WOMAN  ON   THE  FIELD HIDING 

FROM  THE  ENEMY RETURN  TO    THE  WOUNDED EXPECTATION 

OF  CAPTURE ESCAPE  FROM  THE  REBELS MY  WALK    TO  ALEX 
ANDRIA FOOTSORE  AND  WEARY ARRIVAL  IN  WASHINGTON 

LETTERS  FROM  DEAD  SOLDIERS'  FRIENDS. 


8  NURSE     AND     SPY. 

CHAPTER  IY. 

Pages  55-70. 

WASHINGTON    AFTER    BULL    KUN DEMORALIZATION    OF  THE  ARMY 

SICK     SOLDIERS HOSPITAL     SCENES EXTRACTS     FROM     MY 

JOURNAL SYMPATHY  OF    SOLDIERS FISHING  FOR  THE  SICK 

A    FISH-LOVING  DUTCHMAN REORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY 

A    VISIT    TO     THE     PICKETS PICKET     DUTIES    AND  'DANGERS 

THE  ARMY  INACTIVE MC  CLELLAN's  ADDRESS MARCHING  OR 
DERS  AGAIN EMBARKATION  OF  THE  ARMY  FOR  FORTRESS 

MONROE THE    CROWDED     TRANSPORTS DESCRIPTION    OF    THE 

MONITOR HER   BUILD,    ARMAMENT,    TURRET    AND    ENGINES. 

CHAPTER  Y. 

Pages  71-82. 

ARRIVAL  AT  FORTRESS  MONROE THE  VILLAGE  OF  HAMPTON 

VISITING    THE    CONTRABANDS ARRIVAL     OF     FUGITIVES A 

REAL  "CAMP  MEETING" — FEEDING  THE  NEGROES — CAMP 
MISERIES MULES MISS  PERIWINKLE'S  MULES THE  COQUET 
TISH,  THE  MORAL,  THE  HISTRIONIC,  AND  THE  PATHETIC  MULE 

OUR   JACK LINES    OF  LOVE MY  BOX  AND  PRESENTS A 

THREE-STORY    CAKE A    SERENADE    AND    SURPRISE   PARTY 

GOOD  AND  BAD  CHAPLAINS THE    MORALS    OF  THE  ARMY 

SLANDERS  ABOUT  SOLDIERS. 

CHAPTER   VI. 

Pages  82-97. 

THE      MARCH      TO      YORKTOWN SCARCITY      OF     SUPPLIES CAMP 

COOKERY DIFFERENT    CHARACTERS     IN    THE    ARMY ARRIVAL 

OF    TRAINS CHANGE    OF    CAMP TRYING    TO   SHELL    US    OUT 

THE    OLD    SAW-MILL A    CONSTANT  TARGET ASSAULTS  ON  OUR 

OUTPOSTS A     REBEL     APPEAL YORKTOWN      AND      VICINITY 

.THE  SITUATION BALLOON  RECONNOISSANCES PROF.  LOWE  ON 

HIGH REBEL  VIXENS A  CURIOUS  VISIT — A  STRANGE  HOST 
ESS SHE  TRIES  TO  KILL  ME — I  WOUND  HER  AND  CAPTURE 

A    PRISONER A    CONVERSION — THE    SECESH    WOMAN  BECOMES 

A    FEDERAL    NURSE, 


CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Pages  97-109. 

A   LOST   FRIEND DEATH  OF   LIEUTENANT   JAMES    V. HIS  BURIAL 

THE    GRAVE    BY    NIGHT MY   VOW A    SOLDIER-CHAPLAIN 

RECOGNITIONS    IN    HEAVEN DOUBTS    AND     DISSATISFACTION 

CAPTURE    OF   A    SPY MY     EXAMINATIONS     AT    HEADQUARTERS 

MY    DISGUISE    AS    A    SPY 1     AM     METAMORPHOSED     INTO     A 

CONTRABAND HIRED      AS      A      COOK BISCUIT      MAKING THE 

DOCTOR'S  TEA. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Pages  110-121. 

MY      FIRST      SECRET     EXPEDITION MY      WORK     AMONG     CONTRA 
BANDS PICKAXE,     SHOVEL     AND      WHEELBARROW COUNTING 

THE    GUNS    IN   A    REBEL    FORTIFICATION A    CHANGE    OF  WORK 

CARRYING  WATER  TO    THE    REBEL    SOLDIERS GENERALS  LEE 

AND  JOHNSON THE  REBEL  FORCE  AT  YORKTOWN A  COUN 
CIL  OF  WAR TURNING  WHITE  AGAIN A  REBEL  SPY LIEU 
TENANT  V.'S  MURDERER ON  PICKET  DUTY MY  RETURN  TO 

OUR   LINES 1   PUT    ON    UNIFORM    AND    MAKE    MY    REPORT. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Pages  122-131. 

EVACUATION      OF     YORKTOWN OUR      ARMY      ON      THE       DOUBLE 

QUICK PURSUIT    OF   THE    FUGITIVES THE    ENEMY'S  WORKS— 

A      BATTLE ON      THE     FIELD A     "  WOUNDED,"    AND     NOT    IN 
JURED     COLONEL CARRYING    THE     WOUNDED FORT     MAGRU- 

DER    SILENCED THE    VICTORY    WON BURYING     THE     DEAD 

STORY      OF     A     RING — WOUNDED      REBELS A     BRAVE     YOUNG 

SERGEANT CHRISTIAN    SOLDIERS A    SOLDIER'S    DEATH-BED 

CLOSING    SCENES LAST   WORDS. 


10  NURSE     AND     SPY. 

CHAPTER  X. 

Pages  137-146. 

MC  CLELLAN'S  DESPATCH  FROM  EWELL'S  FARM — CALL  FOR  REIN 
FORCEMENTS NEWS    FROM     NORFOLK DESCRIPTION     OF   THE 

MERRIMAC THE     ENGAGEMENT      IN     HAMPTON     ROADS FIRST 

AND    LAST    FIGHT    OF    THE    MERRIMAC VICTORY    OF  THE  MONI 
TOR ADVANCE     ON     THE     PENINSULA THE    BATTLE    SONG A 

MUDDY    MARCH ON    THE    CHICKAHOMINY CRITICAL    POSITION 

OF      GENERAL      BANKS THE      PRESIDENT'S     DESPATCHES MC- 


CHAPTER  XL 

Pages  147-160. 

ANOTHER    DISGUISE 1    BECOME  AN    IRISH  PEDDLER FEVER  AND 

AGUE A   NIGHT    OF    SUFFERING    IN    THE    SWAMP RETROSPEC 
TION LOST    IN     THE    SWAMP CANNON     MY     GUIDES A    SICK 

REBEL 1     FIND     SOMETHING     TO     EAT MY     NEW     PATIENT 

SYMPATHY    FOR    SUFFERING TALK    WITH    A    DYING     REBEL 

A    WILLING    DETENTION EXTEMPORIZING    A   LIGHT THE    LAST 

HOUR SOLDIERS    OF    CHRIST THE    CHAMBER    OF    DEATH. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Pages  161-173. 

AM    i   A   STOIC? — SOMEONE'S   DARLING — COMPLETING   MY   DIS 
GUISE ANOTHER   START  FOR  THE     REBEL    LINES PEPPERING 

MY   EYES CHALLENGED    BY    A    PICKET A  COCKNEY  SENTINEL 

GETTING    INFORMATION PLENTY    OF   BEEF,    BUT    NO    SALT 

RICE    AND    CORN     MEAL     BREAD PREPARING    TO    VISIT   HEAD- 
QUARTERS-^— INTERVIEW    WITH     MAJOR   MC  KEE THE     MAJOR'S 

MISPLACED     CONFIDENCE RETURN    FOR     THE     BODY     OF     THE 

REBEL    CAPTAIN MY    LOOK-OUT    FOR  YANKEES NEW  ORDERS. 


CONTENTS.  11 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Pages  173-186. 

OUR      COMMUNICATIONS      WITH       THE      CHICKAHOMINY PORTER?S 

SUCCESSES DESPATCHES    TO     THE    PRESIDENT HIS     REPLY 

HANOVER      COURT     HOUSE TERRIBLE      STORM     AND     FLOOD 

HOPES    OF   THE    ENEMY A     SUDDEN     AND     STRONG     ATTACK-^ 

I    ACT    AS    AN     ORDERLY THROUGH    THE    FLOOD MY    RETURN 

AND     REPORT JOYFUL     NEWS MY      OWN     DISASTER SCENES 

IN    THE    OLD    MILL WAITING    ON    THE    WOUNDED — MY  SUFFER 
INGS      BY     THE      ROADSIDE A     HARD-HEARTED     CHAPLAIN-  —A 

STUMBLING    BLOCK. 

CHAPTER  XIY. 

Pages  1SG-196. 

RENEWAL  OF  THE  BATTLE VICTORY  FOR  THE  FEDERAL  ARMS 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  ARMY MORE  DESPATCHES MY  BATTLE  TRO 
PHY—PONY    REB'S    PERFORMANCES THE    HOSPITAL    TREE 

TOUCHING   SCENES BISHOP   SIMPSON THE   CROSS  AND  THE 

FLAG AFTER  THE  BATTLE DELAYS  BY  STORMS,  FLOODS  AND 

MUD — MC  CLELLAN'S  CALL  FOR  MORE  MEN — IN  READINESS  TO 
MARCH PROMISED  REINFORCEMENTS. 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Pages  197-206. 

LEAVE    OF  ABSENCE VISIT    TO  THE  WILLIAMSBURG    HOSPITALS 

EFFECTIVE    PREACHING YORKTOWN    REVISITED — LONGINGS 

WHITE    HOUSE    LANDING TIRED  OF  IDLENESS PREPARATIONS 

TO     RETURN     TO     DUTY STUART'S     CAVALRY     R~AID A     TRAIN 

FIRED    INTO FAIR    OAKS    GROVE THE    STRENGTH  OF   THE  EN 
EMY TRYING     TIMES     ON     THE     PENINSULA THE     ENDURANCE 

OF    OUR    SOLDIERS LABORS    OF    MR.    ALVORD. 


12  NURSE    AND    SPY. 

CHAPTER  XYI. 

Pages  207-219. 

CHANGE    OF     BASE    ACROSS     THE      PENINSULA EVACUATION     OP 

WHITE      HOUSE — THE      MOVEMENT BATTLE      OF      MECHANICS- 

VILLE GAINES'  MILL A  REPULSE MC  CLELLAN's  DESPATCH 

HOSPITALS    IN     DANGER — CONVALESCENT    OFFICERS LENDING 

MY  HORSE A  LOTTERY INSPECTING  FARM  STOCK CATCHING 

A  COLT DANGER    OF    CAPTURE RIDING    FOR  LIFE BETWEEN 

TWO    FIRES. 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

Pages  219-233. 

WITHDRAWAL  TO  HALVE RN   HILL THE    SOLDIER^    LAST  WATCH 

TROWBRIDGE'S  GRAVE — SCENES  IN  A  HOSPITAL — CAPTURE  OF 

THE  WOUNDED A  NOBLE  SURGEON LINE  OF  BATTLE HARD 

FIGHTING THE  ENEMY  REPULSED HUNTING  FOR  FOOD IN  A 

FARM-HOUSE PERILOUS    POSITION SECURING   THE  SPOILS 

RELIEF    OF     THE     FAMISHING SUBLIME     SCENE ON    THE 

MARCH — GENERAL    KEYES GUN-BOATS ARRIVAL    AT     HARRI- 

SON's    LANDING SAD    CONDITION    OF   TROOPS OUR    LOSSES 

MC  CLELLAN'S  ADDRESS  TO  THE  ARMY 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Pages  233-248. 

RETURN     OF    OLD     ACQUAINTANCES — THE     WOUNDED    COLONEL 1 

VISIT   WASHINGTON — MILITARY  DISPLAY — EPAULETS ARISTOC 
RACY — SPIRIT    OF   JOHNNY    BULL SOLDIERS*    FREE    LIBRARY 

CONTRABAND  CAMP NEGRO  TESTIMONY — PATIENT    CHARLEY 

PAINFUL    POSITION BROTHER'S    LAST  CONVERSATION — RETURN 

TO    THE    ARMY — CHRISTIAN    COMMISSION GENERAL    HOWARD'S 

SPEECH. 


CONTENTS.  13 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Pages  249-2 GO. 

MY     CONSTANT     COMPANION DISPELLING     THE      BLUES GENTLE 

NELLIE FACES    IN    THE    HOSPITAL ASLEEP   AND  AWAKE MY 

HORSE    AGAIN AT  HARRISON'S  LANDING IMPATIENT  TO  MOVE 

DISSATISFACTION  IN  THE  ARMY — RETREAT  FROM  RICHMOND 

RETURN  TO  NEWPORT  NEWS— SUSPICIOUS  QUARTERS— SEARCHING 

THE    HOUSE    AND    FINDING    REBEL     SOLDIERS THANKS    TO    THE 

ARMY — OUR   ARRIVAL    AT    ACQUIA    CREEK. 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Pages  261-273. 

iL  S    REQUEST — 

ENTERING   THE    REBEL    LINES    AS    A    SPY MY    ESCAPE    TO    THE 

FEDERAL      LINES IN      PERIL KEARNEY      KILLED CRAWLING 

THROUGH   THE    WOODS BURIAL    OF    A    PICKET LOOKING   FOR 

A    GENERAL MR.     NEGATIVE MC  CLELLAN     AND     POPE THE 

BATTLE    OF     ANTIETAM A     TOUCHING     DEATH-SCENE AN   IN 
TERESTING   PATIENT BURIAL    OF    A   FEMALE    SOLDIER. 


CHAPTER  XXL 

Pages  273-285. 

AFTER   ANTIETAM SURGEONS    ON  THE    FIELD THE    HOSPITALS 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    DWIGHT     MORTALLY    WOUNDED A    BRU 
TAL    SURGEON A    WOUNDED    CAPTAIN AGONY     FROM     THIRST 

CHRISTIAN     SOLDIERS PRAYING    AND     FIGHTING FOPS     ON 

THE     FIELD A     REBEL     PROGRAMME PENNSYLVANIA     TO     BE 

STRIPPED CAMP    LIFE — DAILY    ROUTINE BURIAL    SERVICES. 


14  NURSE    AND    SPY. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

Pages  286-296. 

A    MILITARY   EXECUTION THE    PREPARATIONS THE    DEATH 

HARPER'S  FERRY — OLD   JOHN   BROWN — CONTRAST — ADVANCE 

INTO  VIRGINIA CONDITION  OF  THE  ARMY A  DREARY   RIDE 

A  GREEN  GUARD SEEKING  SHELTER A  GUERRILLA  FIGHT 

MY  HORSE  KILLED — PLAYING  POSSUM MY  POCKETS  PICKED 

A   NARROW   ESCAPE RETURN   TO  CAMP AN  INTERESTING 

MEETING. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Pages  297-308 

MC  CLELLAN    REMOVED HIS    ADDRESS BURNSIDE    IN    COMMAND 

ON  THE  MARCH MY  RIDE OLD  BATTLEFIELDS SAD  SIGHTS 

"  YANKEE     SKULLS  " "  BONE      ORNAMENTS  " FALMOUTH 

SHELLING  FREDERICKSBURG — -PONTOON'  BRIDGES OCCUPATION 

OF  THE  CITY AIDE-DE-CAMP DREADFUL    SLAUGHTER A  GAL 
LANT      MAJOR — STRANGE       SIGHTS DARK      NIGHT DEATH     OF 

GENERAL     BAYARD — SOMEONE'S     PET RECROSSING     THE    RAP- 

PAHANNOCK. 

CHAPTER  XXIY. 

Pages  309-318. 
AFTER   THE    BATTLE SUFFERINGS    OF    THE    WOUNDED GENERAL 

BURNSIDE'S  ORDER — "  STUCK  IN  THE  MUD  " — HOOKER  IN  COM 
MAND — WESTERN    CAMPAIGN CAVALRY    RECONNOISSANCE 

ANOTHER   DISGUISE AGAIN    IN    DIXIE A    WEDDING    PARTY 

IN    A    TRAP — REBEL     CONSCRIPT ON    THE     MARCH A    REBEL 

CAPTAIN A  FIERCE    ENGAGEMENT PAYING  A  DEBT  OF    GRAT-' 

ITUDE AGAIN    UNDER    THE     OLD    FLAG. 


CONTENTS.  15 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Pages  319-330. 

APPOINTED  DETECTIVE 1  VISIT  LOUISVILLE SECESH  ACQUAINT 
ANCES SEEKING  EMPLOYMENT PEDDLING REBEL  SPIES — • 

ACTING  AS  CLERK TRAPPING  SPIES — START  FOR  VICKSBURG 

PRO-SLAVERY    TROOPS CRUELTY    TO  NEGROES VISITING  HOS 
PITALS — TOUCHING    SCENES — AN    ARMLESS    SOLDIER PATIENT 

SUFFERING TRIUMPHANT    DEATH RALLY  ROUND  THE    FLAG 

WESTERN       CHAPLAINS SOLDIERS*       TESTIMONY— EFFECT       OF 

PRAYER    IN    BATTLE — CARRYING    THE    WOUNDED. 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Pages  331-340. 

A  UNIONIST  FROM  THE  REBEL  ARMY HIS  TESTIMONY SOUTH 
ERN  HOSPITALS — PATRIOTISM FEMALE  RECRUITING — CRINO 
LINE "  SWEET  LITTLE  MAN  " CONFEDERATE  SYSTEM NORTH 

AND      SOUTH     CONTRASTED REBEL      IMPRESSMENT BROTHERS* 

CRUELTY DYING     FOR     THE     UNION FATE     OF     A    TENNESSEE 

PATRIOT ON     THE      MISSISSIPPI INVISIBLE     ATTRACTION AN 

IMPORTANT    QUESTION MORAL    SUBLIMITY CONTRABANDS    JU' 

BILEE. 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Pages  341-353. 

ARRIVAL  AT  VICKSBURG ITS  SURROUNDINGS — GRANTS  ARMY- 
ASSAULT  ON  THE  REBEL  WORKS THE  SEVEN  COLOR-BEARERS 

— PEMBERTON'S  HARANGUE — IN  THE  TRENCHES — SUFFERINGS 

OF  THE  WOUNDED PEMBERTON?S  PROPOSED  CAPITULATION 

GRANT'S  REPLY — TERMS  OF  SURRENDER — OCCUPATION  OF  THE 

CITY LOSS    OF     THE     ENEMY COMPLIMENTARY     LETTER 

GRANT'S    SUCCESS — ATTACHMENT  OF  HIS  SOLDIERS — "FIGHT 
ING      DICK" GOLD      LACE REBEL      SUFFERINGS — SIGHTS     IN 

VICKSBURG INCIDENTS    OF    THE    SIEGE — CAVE    LIFE. 


1G  .  N  r  KSI;   AN  D  SPY. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

WKSTKRN      (511515  \1   I' A 15        THK 

KXCIIANOKD    FOR   THE    STARS    AND     STRIPES — ENTHUSIASM    »>K 
TROOPS      SIKKKUINOS    KOK<;OTTEN — I  AM    ATTAOKSD  Bl   nryiR 

UNFIT    FOR    DUTY "VK'KSHrucJ     IS    OVHs"— SPIRIT    YKAKN- 

|\(,s     -MROOI        MK.       TO       8LKKP       MOTHER" IMPOSITION      OF 

HTKAMI'.OAT       O  KKH'KKS— O  RAWl'S       CAUK       FOR       HIS        MKN 

lit  KSHNi;     OK      A      SHKl.L     IN     CAMP— rONsKiJl  KN<  KlMl- 

LESS      AiiON\--I       AM       RKl.KASKD      KKOM      1>UTY MY     TRIP    TO 

CAIRO— MISS    MAi;\     SAKKOKD  —  AUK1VAL    AT    WASHINGTON. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Pages  Ml-m, 

KK.MKNV    OK  HOSPITAL  AND    CAMP    LIFE QrF.SnOXS   ANSWKRKD 

HKiiiNU    TMK    SCENES — lU.KssF.n    BMPLO7MKKT      LIVING     I-AST 

M-l'NKS  OVKJl    At,  UN    -MY     MOST    IMPORTANT    I- AMORS MOTHKU 

AM>  SON      I1RANO1  ro\\i-:u  OK  svMPAriiv    -HKKO'S    REPO 

OKKICKKS      AM»     M 1.  N  --TMK     IUJAYKST     AIIK     KIM'  i.KAL 

SI:PI;\YU-K     •BATTL1    IOJBNE8— MR.     AI.YOUP'S     UKSI-UHTION — 
voi  i  M-Ki-K  si  ia;i:i'Ns      nrvur  su-KK.NiN\;  BIOHT8— JL»   A\\  KI  i. 

ril'lTKK Fl-'.M  U.K.   Nl   K  -MMI   N1AI      -PATRIOTIC MKOI- 

CAL  ni:rAur.Mi:N  r  —  voi  NI;  siiua.oNs  — AM:^DOTES. 

CIIATTKr,   XXX. 

Ta-v.s   :\1  1 

l\i  10KNTS—  rKOKK.sSOK      l.ONYK.'s    IU1.1.OON FITZ    JOHN 

I'.MilT.K's   Ain  KNl'l   UK.        Hlfl   \   I'\YAKH   Kl  li!  1 1  I'—  K  Kl'OX  XOU'KUIKO 

•  M    A    DAFOKROUa    POWTIOJT— COOL  OOORAO1 — KsnirsiAS- 

"     TIC      BRllTlFfl         AN      K.AKNKST     1 X  i>K  IK  I'M  —  \     HA1M1SM     IN    THE 
AKNH          KKK.AlMHNii    UY    MOOM.HIlir^A    M  A  i!  N  I  KU'  K  N  r   SCK.XE 

A  WIDDIirfl   IN  i   UIP    -OA1    riMKs — A  OOMTRA8T— «O8PITAl  IN 

YvtNriiKsr:  i;      ^KIKIT  OK  RKVK.XISK  — SAIU.K  HK.KOINK — A  WHITE 
1>AUKK\       COLORED  SOLDIERS— OOHCLU8IOF, 


NURSE  AND  SPY. 


CHAPTER    I. 

COMMENCEMENT     OF     THE     WAR MY     HOME     AND    MY   DUTY 1 

ENLIST    IN    THE    CAUSE EXCITEMENT    AT     THE    WEST TROOPS 

ON  THE  MARCH MOBS  AT  BALTIMORE TEMPORARY  HOSPI 
TALS UNAVOIDABLE  EVILS BEGGING  FOR  COMFORTS — SUP 
PLIES  FOR  THE  SICK CAMP  HOSPITALS THUNDER  STORMS 

IN     CAMP A      DYING      OFFICER — SOLDIERS      IN      THE      PUBLIC 

BUILDINGS PREPARATIONS    FOR    THE    ADVANCE. 

EARLY  in  the  spring  of  1861,  I  was  returning 
from  the  far  West,  and  as  I  sat  waiting  for 
the  train  which  was  to  bear  me  to  my  adopted 
home  in  New  England,  and  was  meditating  upon 
the  events  which-  had  transpired  during  the  past 
few  months,  the  record  of  which  was  destined  to 
blacken  the  fair  pages  of  American  history,  I  was 
aroused  from  my  reverie  by  a  voice  in  the  street 
crying  "New  York  Herald — Fall  of  Fort  Sumter 
• — President's  Proclamation — Call  for  seventy-five 
thousand  men  !"  This  announcement  startled  me, 
while  my  imagination  portrayed  the  coming  strug 
gle  in  all  its  fearful  magnitude.  War,  civil  war, 
with  all  its  horrors  seemed  inevitable,  and  even 

then  was  ready  to  burst  like  a  volcano  upon  the 
2 


18  MY     HOME MY     DUTY. 

most  happy  and  prosperous  nation  the  sun  ever 
shone  upon.  The  contemplation  of  this  sad  pic 
ture  filled  my  eyes  with  tears  and  my  heart  with 
sorrow. 

It  is  true,  I  was  not  an  American — I  was  not 
obliged  to  remain  here  during  this  terrible  strife — 
I  could  return  to  my  native  land  where  my  pa 
rents  would  welcome  me  to  the  home  of  my  child 
hood,  and  my  brothers  and  sisters  would  rejoice 
at  my  coming.  But  these  were  not  the  thoughts 
which  occupied  my  mind.  It  was  not  my  inten 
tion,  or  desire,  to  seek  my  own  personal  ease  and 
comfort  while  so  much  sorrow  and  distress  filled 
the  land.  But  the  great  question  to  be  decided, 
was,  what  can  I  do  ?  What  part  am  /  to  act  in 
this  great  drama  ?  I  was  not  able  to  decide  for 
myself — so  I  carried  this  question  to  the  Throne 
of  Grace,  and  found  a  satisfactory  answer  there. 

Five  years  previous  to  the  time  of  which  I 
write,  I  left  my  rural  home,  not  far  from  the  banks 
of  the  St.  John's  River,  in  the  Province  of  New 
Brunswick,  and  made  my  way  to  the  United 
States.  An  insatiable  thirst  for  education  led  me 
to  do  this,  for  I  believed  then,  as  now,  that  the 
"  Foreign  Missionary  "  field  was  the  one  in  which 
I  must  labor,  sooner  or  later.  I  came  here  a 
stranger,  with  but  little  to  recommend  me  to  the 
favorable  notice  of  the  good  people,  except  a 
letter  from  the  Pastor  of  the  church  to  which  I 
belonged,  and  one  from  my  class-leader — notwith- 


IE  N  LIST     IN     THE     CAUSE.  19 

standing,  I  found  kind  friends  to  help  me  in  all  my 
undertakings,  and  whether  in  business,  education, 
or  spiritual  advancement,  I  have  been  assisted 
beyond  my  highest  expectation.  I  thank  God 
that  I  am  permitted  in  this  hour  of  my  adopted 
country's  need  to  express  a  tithe  of  the  gratitude 
which  I  feel  toward  the  people  of  the  Northern 
States. 

Ten  days  after  the  President's  proclamation 
was  issued,  I  was  ready  to  start  for  Washington, 
having  been  employed  by  the  Government,  and 
furnished  with  all  the  necessary  equipments.  I 
was  not  merely  to  go  to  Washington  and  remain 
there  until  a  battle  had  been  fought  and  the 
wounded  brought  in,  and  then  in  some  comfortable 
hospital  sit  quietly  and  fan  the  patients,  after  the 
Surgeon  had  dressed  their  wounds ;  but  I  was  to 
go  to  the  front  and  participate  in  all  the  excite 
ment  of  the  battle  scenes,  or  in  other  words,  be  a 
u  FIELD  NURSE." 

The  great  West  was  stirred  to  its  center,  and 
began  to  look  like  a  vast  military  camp.  Recruit 
ing  offices  were  filled  with  men  eager  to  enroll 
their  names  as  defenders  of  their  country — and 
women  were  busily  engaged  in  preparing  all  the 
comforts  that  love  and  patriotism  could  suggest, 
for  those  who  were  so  soon  to  go  forth  to  victory 
or  to  death,  while  the  clash  of  arms  and  strains 
of  martial  music  almost  drowned  the  hum  of  indus 
try,  and  war  became  the  theme  of  every  tongue. 


20  TROOPS     ON     THE     MARCH. 

About  this  time  I  witnessed  the  departure  of 
the  first  western  troops  which  started  for  Wash- 
ington.  The  regiments  were  drawn  up  in  line — 
fully  equipped  for  their  journey — with  their  bright 
bayonets  flashing  in  the  morning  sunlight.  It  was 
on  the  principal  street  of  a  pleasant  little  village 
of  about  a  thousand  inhabitants,  where  there  was 
scarcely  a  family  who  had  not  a  father,  husband, 
son,  or  brother  in  that  little  band  of  soldiers  who 
stood  there  ready  to  bid  them  farewell,  perhaps 
for  years — perhaps  forever.  A  farewell  address 
was  delivered  by  the  village  Pastor,  and  a  new 
Testament  presented  to  each  soldier,  with  the  fol 
lowing  inscription :  u  Put  your  trust  in  God — and 
keep  your  powder  dry."  Then  came  the  leave- 
taking — but  it  is  too  painful  to  dwell  upon — the 
last  fond  word  was  spoken,  the  last  embrace  given, 
then  came  the  order  "  march  " — and  amid  the 
cheers  of  the  citizens — with  banners  proudly 
floating,  and  the  bands  playing  "  The  Star  Span 
gled  Banner,"  they  moved  forward  on  their  way 
to  the  Capital.  On  looking  back  now  upon  the 
scenes  of  that  morning,  notwithstanding  I  have 
looked  upon  others  much  more  thrilling  since  then, 
yet  I  cannot  recall  that  hour  without  feelings  of 
deep  emotion.  While  I  stood  there  and  beheld 
those  manly  forms  convulsed  with  emotion,  and 
heard  the  sobs  of  those  whom  they  were  leaving 
behind,  I  could  only  thank  God  that  I  was  free 
and  could  go  forward  and  work,  and  was  not 


MOBS     AT    BALTIMORE.  21 

obliged  to  stay  at  home  and  weep.  A  few  hours 
more,  and  I,  too,  was  on  my  way  to  Washington. 

When  I  reached  Baltimore  I  found  the  city  in 
an  uproar — mobs  were  gathered  in  the  streets  and 
the  utmost  excitement  prevailed :  and  as  the 
crowded  cars  moved  through  the  city  toward  the 
depot,  the  infuriated  mob  threw  showers  of  stones, 
brickbats,  and  other  missiles,  breaking  the  windows 
and  wounding  some  of  the  soldiers.  Some  of  the 
men  could  not  forbear  firing  into  the  crowd — 
notwithstanding  their  orders  were  to  the  contrary 
— however,  it  had  a  good  effect,  for  the  mob  soon 
dispersed ;  they  probably  had  not  forgotten  the 
Sixth  Massachusetts  and  the  Pennsylvania  troops 
which  had  passed  through  a  short  time  before. 
The  cars  soon  reached  the  depot,  and  started 
immediately  for  Washington — where  we  arrived 
in  due  time — weary,  and  in  great  need  of  food 
and  sleep. 

Soon  after  reaching  Washington  I  commenced 
visiting  the  temporary  hospitals  which  were  pre 
pared  to  receive  the  soldiers  who  arrived  there 
sick.  The  troops  came  pouring  in  so  fast,  and  the 
weather  being  extremely  warm,  all  the  general 
hospitals  were  soon  filled,  and  it  seemed  impossi 
ble  to  prepare  suitable,  or  comfortable,  accommo 
dations  for  all  who  required  medical  attention. 

There  are  many  things  in  connection  with  this 
war  that  we  are  disposed  to  find  fault  with,  and 
we  think  the  blame  rests  upon  such  and  such 


22  TEMPORARY     HOSPITALS. 

individuals — but  after  investigating  the  matter, 
we  find  that  they  are  all  owing  to  a  combination 
of  circumstances  entirely  beyond  the  control  of 
those  individuals — and  it  requires  time  to  bring 
about  the  desired  results.  This  has  been  my  ex 
perience  with  regard  to  the  hospital  department. 
After  walking  through  the  streets  for  hours  on 
a  sultry  southern  day  in  search  of  one  of  those 
temporary  hospitals,  I  would  find  a  number  of  men 
there  delirious  with  fever — others  had  been  sun- 
struck  and  carried  there — but  no  physician  to  be 
found  in  attendance.  Then,  I  would  naturally 
come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  surgeons  were  all 
slack  concerning  their  duty — but  upon  going  to 
the  office  of  the  Surgeon  in  charge  of  that  de 
partment,  would  find  that  a  certain  number  of 
surgeons  were  detailed  every  morning  to  visit 
those  hospitals,  and  were  faithfully  performing 
their  duty  ;  but  that  the  number  of  hospitals  and 
patients  were  increasing  so  fast  that  it  required 
all  day  to  make  the  tour.  Consequently  the  last 
ones  visited  were  obliged  to  wait  and  suffer — 
without  any  blame  attaching  to  the  surgeons. 

Then  another  great  evil  was  to  be  remedied — 
there  were  thousands  of  sick  men  to  be  taken  care 
of— but  for  these  the  Government  had  made  no 
provision  as  regards  more  delicate  kinds  of  food 
— nothing  but  hard  bread,  coffee  and  pork,  for 
sick  and  well,  alike.  The  Sanitary  Commission 
had  not  yet  come  into  operation  and  the  conse- 


BEGGING     FOR     COMFORTS.  23 

quence  was  our  poor  sick  soldiers  suffered  un 
speakably  from  want  of  proper  nourishment.  I 
was  speaking  upon  this  subject  one  day  to  Chap 
lain  B.  and  his  wife — my  constant  companions  in 
hospital  labor — when  Mrs.  B.  suggested  that  she 
and  I  should  appeal  to  the  sympathies  of  the 
ladies  of  Washington  and  Georgetown,  and  try 
our  hand  at  begging.  I  agreed  to  the  proposal 
at  once,  and  wondered  why  I  had  not  thought  of 
it  myself — among  all  my  schemes  for  alleviating 
the  sufferings  of  these  men,  it  had  never  entered 
into  my  head  to  leg  for  them.  We  decided  to  go 
to  Georgetown  first  and  if  we  succeeded  there, 
to  canvass  Washington.  So  we  started,  and  com 
menced  operations  by  calling  first  upon  a  clergy 
man's  wife.  We  made  inquiry  there  with  regard 
to  our  prospects  of  success,  and  the  sentiments 
of  the  ladies  generally  upon  the  war  question, 
and  finding  that  the  majority  were  in  our  favor, 
we  started  again  quite  hopefully — but  not  until 
the  lady  above  mentioned  had  given  us  an  order 
on  her  grocer  to  the  amount  of  five  dollars.  I 
gave  Sister  B.  the  credit  of  that,  for  I  had  intro 
duced  her  as  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  B.,  chap- 
lain  of  the  7th.  Then  I  suggested  that  we  should 
separate  for  a  few  hours — she  to  take  one  street 
and  I  another,  so  that  we  might  sooner  get 
through  the  city.  My  next  call  was  at  a  doctor's 
mansion,  but  I  did  not  find  the  lady  at  home ; 
however,  I  learned  that  the  doctor  in  question 


24  SUPPLIES     FOR     THE     SICK. 

kept  a  drug-store  near  by ;  she  might  be  there ; 
went,  but  found  no  lady  ;  thought  fit  to  make  my 
business  known  to  the  doctor,  and  the  conse 
quence  was,  half  a  dozen  bottles  of  blackberry 
wine  and  two  of  lemon  syrup,  with  a  cordial  in 
vitation  to  call  again.  So  prospered  our  mission 
throughout  the  day,  and  at  the  close  of  it  we  had 
a  sufficient  supply  of  groceries,  brandy,  ice,  jellies, 
etc.,  to  fill  our  little  ambulance;  and  oh,  what  a 
change  those  little  delicacies  wrought  upon  our 
poor  sick  boys.  We  were  encouraged  by  that 
day's  work,  to  continue  our  efforts  in  that  direc 
tion,  and  finally  made  Dr.  W.'s  store  a  depot  for 
the  donations  of  those  kind  friends  who  wished 
to  assist  us  in  restoring  to  health  the  defenders  of 
our  beloved  country. 

Typhoid  fever  began  to  make  its  appearance  in 
camp,  as  the  burning  sun  of  June  came  pouring 
down  upon  us,  and  the  hospitals  were  soon  crowd 
ed  with  its  victims.  It  was  then  that  my  labors 
began  in  earnest,  and  as  I  went  from  tent  to  tent, 
ministering  to  the  wants  of  those  delirious,  help 
less  men,  I  wondered  if  there  ever  was  a  u  Mis 
sionary  Field "  which  promised  a  richer  harvest, 
than  the  one  in  which  I  was  already  engaged; 
and  oh,  how  thankful  I  was  that  it  was  my  privi 
lege  to  take  some  small  part  in  so  great  a  work. 

I  shall  notice,  briefly,  the  manner  in  which  the 
hospitals  are  conducted  in  camp.  There  are  large 
tents  furnished  for  hospital  purposes,  which  will 


CAMP     HOSPITALS.  25 

accommodate  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  men. 
These  tents  are  usually  put  up  in  the  most  pleasant 
and  shady  part  of  the  camp  ;  the  inside  is  nicely 
leveled,  and  board  floors  laid,  if  boards  can  be 
procured,  if  not,  rubber  blankets  are  laid  down 
instead.  Sometimes  there  are  straw  ticks  and 
cot  bedsteads  furnished,  but  not  in  sufficient  quan 
tity  to  supply  all  the  hospitals.  Along  each  side 
of  the  tent  the  sick  are  laid,  on  blankets  or  cots, 
leaving  room  to  pass  between  the  beds.  In  the 
center  of  the  tent  stands  a  temporary  board  table, 
on  which  are  kept  books,  medicines,  et  cetera. 
The  hospital  corps  consists  of  a  surgeon,  an  assist 
ant  surgeon,  a  hospital  steward,  a  ward-master, 
four  nurses,  two  cooks,  and  a  man  of  all  work  to 
carry  water,  cut  wood,  and  make  himself  generally 
useful.  The  immediate  care  of  the  sick  devolves 
upon  those  four  nurses,  who  are  generally  detail 
ed  from  the  ranks,  each  one  being  on  duty  six 
hours  without  intermission.  The  surgeons  visit 
the  patients  twice  every  day,  oftener  if  required ; 
the  prescriptions  are  filled  by  the  hospital  steward, 
and  the  medicine  is  administered  by  the  nurses. 
The  nurses  are  usually  very  kind  to  the  sick,  and 
when  off  duty  in  the  hospital,  spend  much  of  their 
time  in  digging  drains  around  the  tents,  planting 
evergreens,  and  putting  up  awnings,  all  of  which 
add  much  to  the  coolness  and  comfort  of  the  hos 
pital.  Draining  the  grounds  is  a  very  important 
part  of  hospital  duty,  for  when  those  terrible 


26  TERRIFIC     THUNDER     STORMS. 

thunder-storms  come,  which  are  so  frequent  in  the 
south,  it  is  morally  impossible  to  keep  the  tent 
floors  from  being  flooded,  unless  there  are  drains 
all  around  the  tents.  Great  excitement  prevails 
in  camp  during  those  tempests — the  rain  comes 
down  in  torrents,  while  the  wind  blows  a  hurri 
cane — lifting  the  tents  from  the  ground,  and 
throwing  everything  into  wild  confusion.  I  have 
seen  a  dozen  men  stand  for  hours  around  one  hos 
pital,  holding  down  the  ropes  and  tent  poles  to 
prevent  the  sick  from  being  exposed  to  the  raging 
elements. 

In  one  of  those  storms,  I  saw  a  tent  blown 
down,  in  which  one  of  our  officers  lay  suffering 
from  typhoid  fever.  We  did  our  best  to  keep 
him  dry  until  a  stretcher  could  be  procured,  but 
all  in  vain.  Notwithstanding  we  wrapped  him  in 
rubber  blankets  and  shawls,  yet  the  rain  penetra 
ted  them  all,  and  by  the  time  he  was  carried  to  a 
house,  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant,  he  was  com 
pletely  drenched.  He  was  a  noble  fellow  and  I 
love  to  speak  of  him.  Mrs.  B.  and  I  remained  with 
him  alternately  until  he  died,  which  was  five  days 
from  that  time.  We  sent  for  his  wife,  who  ar 
rived  just  in  time  to  see  him  die.  He  was  un 
conscious  when  she  came,  and  we  were  standing 
around  his  cot  watching  every  shadow  which  the 
sable  wing  of  advancing  death  cast  upon  his  fea 
tures,  and  eagerly  looking  for  a  single  ray  of  re 
turning  reason.  He  looked  up  suddenly,  and 


A     DYING     OFFICER.  27 

seeing  his  wife  standing  weeping,  he  beckoned 
her  to  come  to  him.  Kneeling  beside  him,  she 
bent  her  ear  close  to  the  lips  of  the  dying  man. 
He  whispered  distinctly,  "  I  am  going — the  way 
is  bright,  don't  weep — farewell!"  A  little  later 
he  was  asked,  "  What  is  the  foundation  of  your 
hope  of  Heaven  ?"  His  face  was  calm  and  beau 
tiful  in  its  expression,  and  his  splendid  dark  eyes 
lit  up  with  holy  confidence  and  trust,  as  he  re 
plied,  "Christ— Christ!"  These  were  his  last 
words.  Glorious  words  for  a  dying  soldier.  He 
lingered  a  few  hours,  and  then  quietly  and  peace 
fully  breathed  out  his  life.  So  passed  away  one 
of  the  most  exemplary  men  it  has  ever  been  my 
lot  to  meet,  either  in  the  army  or  elsewhere  The 
same  day,  the  sorrowing  widow,  with  the  remains 
of  her  beloved  and  noble  husband,  started  for 
her  northern  home  ;  and  that  Christian  patriot  now 
sleeps  in  a  beautiful  little  cemetery  near  the  city 
of  Detroit,  Michigan,  having  rendered  up  his  life 
a  willing  sacrifice  for  his  country. 

Mrs.  B.  was  desirous  of  visiting  some  of  the 
public  buildings  in  Washington  and  wished  me  to 
accompany  her.  I  did  so,  but  found  that  it  was 
almost  impossible  to  get  along  through  the  crowd 
ed  streets.  The  gallant  troops  were  coming  in  by 
thousands  from  every  loyal  State  in  the  Union, 
The  Capitol  and  White  House  were  common  pla 
ces  of  resort  for  soldiers.  Arms  were  stacked  in 
the  rotunda  of  the  one  and  the  lobbies  of  the 


28  THE     GRAND     ARMY. 

other,  while  our  "  noble  boys  in  blue  "  lounged  in 
the  cushioned  seats  of  members  of  Congress,  or 
reclined  in  easy  chairs  in  the  President's  Mansion. 
Camps  of  instruction  were  prepared  near  the 
city,  while  every  hillside  and  valley  for  miles 
around  was  thickly  dotted  with  snow  white  tents. 
Soldiers  drilling,  fatigue  parties  building  forts, 
artillery  practicing,  and  the  supply  trains  moving 
to  and  from  the  various  headquarters,  presented 
a  picture  deeply  interesting.  As  I  rode  from 
camp  to  camp  and  contemplated  that  immense 
army  concentrating  its  force  on  the  banks  of  the 
Potomac,  and  saw  with  what  zeal  and  enthusiasm 
the  soldiers  entered  upon  their  duties,  I  could  but 
feel  assured  of  the  speedy  termination  of  the 
conflict,  and  look  forward  with  eager  anticipation 
to  the  day  when  that  mighty  host  would  advance 
upon  the  enemy,  and  like  an  overwhelming  tor 
rent  sweep  rebellion  from  the  land. 


CHAPTER    II. 

MARCHING     ORDERS — REMOVAL     OF     THE     SICK — A    TOTING    PA 
TIENT VISIT  FROM  HIS    MOTHER MARCH    TOWARD    MANASSAS 

COLLECTING  SUPPLIES FATIGUES    OF    THE    MARCH PREPA 
RATIONS  FOR  BATTLE A    CAMP    PRAYER    MEETING DIVISIONS 

DETAILED — MY  PLACE  ON  THE  FIELD "  RATHER    CLOSE    QUAR- 

TERS  " A  BATTLE  SUNDAY SKULKING  FROM  THE  FIELD. 

MARCHING  ORDERS  received  to-day— two 
days  more,  and  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
will  be  on  its  way  to  Bull  Run.  I  find  this  reg 
istered  in  my  journal  July  15th,  1861,  without 
any  comment  whatever.  But  I  do  not  require  a 
journal  to  refresh  my  memory  with  regard  to  the 
events  of  those  two  days  of  preparation  which 
followed  their  announcement.  The  Army  of  the 
Potomac  was  soon  to  meet  the  enemy  for  the  first 
time — a  great  battle  was  to  be  fought.  Oh,  what 
excitement  and  enthusiasm  that  order  produced— 
nothing  could  be  heard  but  the  wild  cheering  of 
the  men,  as  regiment  after  regiment  received  their 
orders.  The  possibility  of  a  defeat  never  seemed 
to  enter  the  mind  of  any.  All  the  sick  in  camp 
now  were  to  be  sent  to  Washington,  clothes 
changed,  knapsacks  packed,  letters  written  home, 
packages  sent  to  the  express  office,  etc.  After  all 
was  done,  everything  in  readiness,  and  the  sick 
men  tenderly  laid  in  the  ambulances,  Mrs.  B.  said : 


30 


A     YOUNG     PATIENT. 


"  Now  let  us  go  to  every  ambulance  and  bid  the 
boys  good-bye."  As  we  passed  along  from  one 
ambulance  to  another,  speaking  words  of  encour 
agement  to  each  soldier,  many  a  tear  would  start 
from  grateful  eyes,  and  many  a  feeble  voice  utter 
ed  an  earnest  "  God  bless  you,"  while  others 
would  draw  from  their  bosoms  some  cherished 
relic,  and  give  as  a  token  of  remembrance.  Oh 
how  hard  it  was  to  part  with  those  men,  with 
whom  we  had  watched  so  many  weary  days  and 
nights — we  felt  that  they  had,  truly,  "become 
endeared  to  us  through  suffering." 

There  was  one  patient,  however,  we  did  not  put 
into  an  ambulance,  and  who  was  a  great  source 
of  anxiety  to  us.  He  lay  there  upon  a  stretcher 
close  by,  waiting  to  be  carried  to  a  house  not  far 
distant.  He  was  young,  not  seventeen,  with  clear 
blue  eyes,  curly  auburn  hair,  and  a  broad,  white 
brow ;  his  mother's  pride,  and  an  only  son.  Two 
weeks  previously  he  had  been  attacked  with  ty 
phoid  fever.  The  surgeon  said,  "You  may  do 
all  you  can  for  him,  but  it  is  a  hopeless  case." 
Mrs.  B.  had  devoted  most  of  her  time  to  him  and 
I  was  often  called  to  assist  her.  He  was  delirious 
and  became  quite  unmanageable  at  times,  and  it 
required  all  the  strength  we  possessed  to  keep 
him  in  bed ;  but  now  the  delirium  of  fever  had 
passed  away  and  he  was  helpless  as  an  infant. 
We  had  written  for  his  mother  to  come  if  possi 
ble,  and  had  just  received  a  letter  from  her,  sta- 


VISIT     FROM     HIS     MOTHER.  31 

ting  that  she  was  on  her  way  to  Washington  ;  but 
would  she  come  before  we  were  obliged  to  leave  ? 
Oh,  we  hoped  so,  and  were  anxiously  looking 
for  her. 

The  ambulances  started  with  their  freight  of 
emaciated,  suffering  men.  Slowly  that  long  train 
wound  its  way  toward  the  city  looking  like  a  great 
funeral  procession,  and  sadly  we  turned  to  our 
remaining  patient,  who  was  deeply  affected  at  the 
removal  of  his  comrades.  He  was  then  carried 
to  the  house  above  mentioned  and  a  nurse  left  to 
take  care  of  him,  while  we  were  obliged  to  pre 
pare  for  our  own  comfort  on  the  long  weary  march 
which  was  so  near  at  hand.  We  had  just  com 
menced  to  pack  our  saddle-bags,  when  we  heard 
an  unusual  noise,  as  of  some  one  crying  piteously, 
and  going  out  to  learn  the  cause  of  the  excite 
ment,  whom  should  we  find  but  the  mother  of 
our  handsome  blue-eyed  patient.  She  had  called 
at  the  surgeon's  tent  to  inquire  for  her  son,  and 
he  had  told  her  that  all  the  sick  had  been  sent  to 
Washington,  he  having  forgotten  for  the  moment, 
the  exception  with  regard  to  her  son.  The  first 
words  I  heard  were  spoken  in  the  most  touching 
manner — "  Oh,  why  did  you  send  away  my  boy  ? 
I  wrote  you  I  was  coming  ;  Oh,  why  did  you  send 
him  away!" 

I  shall  never  forget  the  expression  of  that 
mother's  face  as  she  stood  there  wringing  her 
hands  and  repeating  the  question.  We  very  soon 


32  MARCH     TOWARD     MANASSAS. 

rectified  the  mistake  which  the  surgeon  had  made, 
and  in  a  few  moments  she  was  kneeling  by  the 
bedside  of  her  darling  boy,  and  we  returned  re 
joicing  that  it  had  been  our  privilege  to  "  deliver 
him  to  his  mother."  Oh,  how  many,  who  come 
to  Washington  in  search  of  loved  ones,  are  caused 
unnecessary  pain,  yes,  weeks  of  torturing  sus 
pense  and  fruitless  search,  in  consequence  of  some 
little  mistake  on  the  part  of  a  surgeon,  a  nurse, 
or  some  person  who  is  supposed  to  know  just 
where  the  sought  for  are  to  be  found. 

The  17th  of  July  dawned  bright  and  clear,  and 
everything  being  in  readiness,  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  took  up  its  line  of  march  for  Manassas. 
In  gay  spirits  the  army  moved  forward,  the  air 
resounding  with  the  music  of  the  regimental 
bands,  and  patriotic  songs  of  the  soldiers.  No 
gloomy  forebodings  seemed  to  damp  the  spirits 
of  the  men,  for  a  moment,  but  "On  to  Rich 
mond,"  was  echoed  and  re-echoed,  as  that  vast 
army  moved  rapidly  over  the  country.  I  felt 
strangely  out  of  harmony  with  the  wild,  joyous 
spirit  which  pervaded  the  troops.  As  I  rode 
slowly  along,  watching  those  long  lines  of  bayo 
nets  as  they  gleamed  and  flashed  in  the  sunlight, 
I  thought  that  many,  very  many,  of  those  enthu 
siastic  men  who  appeared  so  eager  to  meet  the 
enemy,  would  never  return  to  relate  the  success 
or  defeat  of  that  splendid  army.  Even  if  victory 
should  perch  upon  their  banners,  and  I  had  no 


CAMP     AT     FAIRFAX.  33 

doubt  it  would,  yet  many  noble  lives  must  be  sac 
rificed  ere  it  could  be  obtained. 

The  main  column  reached  Fairfax  toward  eve 
ning  and  encamped  for  the  night.  Col.  II. 's  wife 
of  the  Second  -  — ,  Mrs.  B.  and  myself  were,  I 
think,  the  only  three  females  who  reached  Fair 
fax  that  night.  The  day  had  been  extremely 
hot,  and  not  being  accustomed  to  ride  all  day 
beneath  a  burning  sun,  we  felt  its  effects  very 
sensibly,  and  consequently,  hailed  with  joy  the 
order  to  encamp  for  the  night.  Notwithstanding 
the  heat  and  fatigue  of  the  day's  march,  the  troops 
were  in  high  spirits,  and  immediately  began  pre 
paring  supper.  Some  built  fires  while  others 
went  in  search  of,  and  appropriated,  every  availa 
ble  article  which  might  in  any  way  add  to  the 
comfort  of  hungry  and  fatigued  men. 

The  whole  neighborhood  was  ransacked  for 
milk,  butter,  eggs,  poultry,  etc.  which  were  found; 
insufficient  in  quantity  to  supply  the  wants  of  such 
a  multitude.  There  might  have  been  heard  some 
stray  shots  fired  in  the  direction  of  a  field  where 
a  drove  of  cattle  were  quietly  grazing ;  and  soon 
after  the  odor  of  fresh  steak  was  issuing  from 
every  part  of  the  camp.  I  wish  to  state,  howev 
er,  that  all  "raids",  made  upon  hen-coops,  etc. 
were  contrary  to  the  orders  of  the  General  in 
command,  for  during  the  day  I  had  seen  men  put 
under  arrest  for  shooting  chickens  by  the  roadside. 

I  was  amused  to  hear  the  answer  of  a  hopeful 


34  COLLECTING     SUPPLIES. 

young  darkey  cook,  when  interrogated  with  re 
gard  to  the  broiled  chickens  and  beef  steak  which 
he  brought  on  for  supper.  Col.  R.  demanded,  in 
a  very  stern  voice,  "Jack,  where  did  you  get 
that  beef  steak  and  those  chickens?1'  uMassa, 
I'se  carried  dem  cl'ar  from  Washington ;  thought 
I'd  cook  'em  'fore  dey  sp'il'd  "  ;  and  then  added, 
with  a  broad  grin,  u  I  aint  no  thief,  I  aint."  Col. 
R.  replied  :  u  That  will  do,  Jack,  you  can  go 
now."  Then  the  Colonel  told  us  how  he  had  seen 
Jack  running  out  of  a  house,  as  he  rode  along, 
and  a  woman  ran  out  calling  after  him  with  all 
her  might,  but  Jack  never  looked  behind  him,  but 
escaped  as  fast  as  he  could,  and  was  soon  out  of 
sight.  Said  he,  "I  thought  the  young  rascal  had 
been  up  to  some  mischief,  so  I  rode  up  and  asked 
the  woman  what  was  the  matter,  and  found  he  had 
stolen  all  her  chickens ;  I  asked  her  how  much 
they  were  worth ;  she  u  reckoned  "  about  two  dol 
lars.  I  think  she  made  a  pretty  good  hit,  for 
after  I  paid  her,  she  told  me  she  had  had  only  two 
chickens."  Supper  being  over,  pickets  posted,  and 
camp  guards  detailed,  all  became  quiet  for  the 
night. 

Early  the  next  morning  the  reveille  beat,  the 
whole  camp  was  soon  in  motion,  and  after  a  slight 
breakfast  from  our  haversacks  the  march  was  re 
sumed.  The  day  was  very  hot,  and  we  found 
great  difficulty  in  obtaining  water,  the  want  of 
which  caused  the  troops  much  suffering.  Many 


FATIGUES     OF     THE     MARCH.  35 

of  the  men  were  sun-struck,  and  others  began  to 
drop  out  of  the  ranks  from  exhaustion.  All  such 
as  were  not  able  to  march  were  put  into  ambulan 
ces  and  sent  back  to  Washington.  Toward  noon, 
the  tedium  of  the  march  began  to  be  enlivened 
by  sharp  volleys  of  musketry,  in  the  direction  of 
the  advance  guard ;  but  those  alarms  were  only 
occasioned  by  our  skirmishers,  pouring  a  volley 
into  everything  which  looked  as  if  it  might  con 
tain  a  masked  battery,  or  a  band  of  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters. 

Considerable  excitement  prevailed  throughout 
the  day,  as  we  were  every  hour  in  expectation  of 
meeting  the  enemy.  Carefully  feeling  its  way, 
however,  the  army  moved  steadily  on,  investiga 
ting  every  field,  building,  and  ravine,  for  miles  in 
front  and  to  the  right  and  left,  until  it  reached 
Centerville,  where  we  halted  for  the  night. 

The  troops  now  began  to  feel  the  effects  of  the 
march,  and  there  was  evidently  a  lack  of  that 
pic-nic  hilarity  which  had  characterized  them  the 
day  before.  Several  regiments  had  been  supplied 
with  new  shoes  the  day  before  leaving  camp,  and 
they  found  by  sad  experience,  that  they  were  not 
the  most  comfortable  things  to  march  in,  as  their 
poor  blistered  feet  testified  ;  in  many  cases  their 
feet  were  literally  raw,  the  thick  woolen  stockings 
having  chafed  the  skin  off.  Mrs.  B.  and  I,  hav 
ing  provided  ourselves  before  leaving  camp,  with 
a  quantity  of  linen,  bandages,  lint,  ointment,  etc. 


36  PREPARATIONS     FOR     BATTLE. 

found  it  very  convenient  now,  even  before  a  shot 
had  been  fired  by  the  enemy. 

Our  surgeons  began  to  prepare  for  the  coming 
battle,  by  appropriating  several  buildings  and  fit 
ting  them  up  for  the  wounded — among  others  the 
stone  church  at  Centerville — a  church  which  many 
a  soldier  will  remember,  as  long  as  memory  lasts. 
Late  that  evening  as  I  was  returning  from  this 
church,  accompanied  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.,  I  pro 
posed  that  we  should  walk  through  the  entire 
camp  to  see  how  the  boys  were  employed,  on 
this,  the  eve  of  their  first  battle.  We  found  many 
engaged  in  writing  by  the  glimmering  light  of 
the  camp-fire — soldiers  always  carry  writing  ma 
terials  on  a  march ;  some  were  reading  their  bibles, 
perhaps  with  more  than  usual  interest ;  while  oth 
ers  sat  in  groups,  conversing  in  low  earnest  tones ; 
but  the  great  mass  were  stretched  upon  the 
ground,  wrapped  in  their  blankets,  fast  asleep, 
and  all  unconscious  of  the  dangers  of  the  morrow. 

We  were  about  to  return  to  our  quarters  in  a 
log  cabin  built  by  the  rebel  soldiers,  and  which 
had  been  evacuated  only  a  few  days  previous, 
when  we  heard  several  voices  singing  in  a  little 
grove  not  far  from  camp.  We  turned  and  walked 
toward  the  grove,  until  we  could  hear  distinctly, 
the  words  of  the  following  beautiful  hymn  : 

"  0,  for  a  faith  that  will  not  shrink, 

Though  press'd  by  every  foe, 
That  will  not  tremble  on  the  brink 
Of  any  earthly  woe; 


A     CAMP     PRAYER    MEETING.  37 

That  will  not  murmur  or  complain 

Beneath  the  chastening  rod, 
But,  in  the  hour  of  grief  and  pain, 

Will  lean  upon  its  God ; 

A  faith  that  shines  more  bright  and  clear 

When  tempests  rage  without ; 
That,  when  in  danger,  knows  no  fear, 

In  darkness  knows  no  doubt." 

"Ah!"  exclaimed  Mr.  B.,  UI  recognize  Willie 
L.'s  voice  there.  I  understand  now  ;  this  is  Wil 
lie's  prayer  meeting  night,  and  notwithstanding 
the  fatigue  of  the  march  and  blistered  feet,  he  has 
not  forgotten  it."  We  drew  nearer  to  listen  to 
and  enjoy  the  exercises  unperceived,  for  no  sooner 
had  the  last  words  of  the  hymn  died  away  on  the 
still  midnight  air,  than  Willie's  clear  voice  rose  in 
prayer,  filling  the  grove  with  its  rich,  pathetic 
tones.  He  prayed  for  victory  on  the  morrow,  for 
his  comrades,  for  loved  ones  at  home,  and  his 
voice  grew  tremulous  with  emotion,  as  he  plead 
with  the  Saviour  to  comfort  and  support  his  wid 
owed  mother,  if  he  should  fall  in  battle. 

Then  followed  a  practical  talk  about  being  faith 
ful  soldiers  of  Jesus,  as  well  as  of  their  beloved 
country;  of  the  necessity  of  being  prepared  at 
any  moment,  to  lay  down  the  cross  and  take  up 
the  crown.  One  after  another  prayed  and  spoke, 
until  about  a  dozen — and  that  included  the  whole 
number  present — had  addressed  the  Throne  of 
Grace,  and  testified  to  the  power  of  the  Gospel 
of  Christ  in  the  salvation  of  sinners.  No  one 


38  DIVISIONS     DETAILED. 

was  called  upon  to  pray  or  speak,  no  one  said  he 
had  nothing  to  say  and  then  talked  long  enough 
to  prove  it,  no  one  excused  his  inability  to  interest 
his  brethren,  and  no  time  was  lost  by  delay,  but 
every  one  did  his  duty,  and  did  it  promptly.  We 
retired  feeling  refreshed  and  encouraged. 

After  ascertaining  the  position  of  the  enemy, 
Gen.  McDowell  ordered  forward  three  divisions, 
commanded  by  Heintzelman,  Hunter  and  Tyler, 
Miles  being  left  in  reserve  at  Centerville.  Sun 
day  morning  before  dawn,  those  three  divisions 
moved  forward,  presenting  a  magnificent  specta 
cle,  as  column  after  column  wound  its  way  over 
the  green  hills  and  through  the  hazy  valleys,  with 
the  soft  moonlight  falling  on  the  long  lines  of 
shining  steel.  Not  a  drum  or  bugle  was  heard 
during  the  march,  and  the  deep  silence  was  only 
broken  by  the  rumbling  of  artillery,  the  muffled 
tread  of  infantry,  or  the  low  hum  of  thousands 
of  subdued  voices. 

The  divisions  separated  where  three  roads 
branch  off  toward  Bull  Run,  each  taking  the  road 
leading  to  its  respective  position.  Soon  the  morn 
ing  broke  bright  and  clear,  bringing  the  two  con 
tending  armies  in  plain  sight  of  each  other.  The 
enemy  was  posted  on  heights  that  rose  in  regular 
slopes  from  the  shore  crowned  here  and  there  by 
earthworks.  The  woods  that  interfered  with  his 
cannon  ranges  had  all  been  cut  away,  and  his  guns 
a  clean  sweep  of  every  approach.  On  our 


MY     PLACE     ON     THE     FIELD.  39 

side  the  descent  was  more  gradual,  and  covered 
with  a  dense  forest.  The  roar  of  artillery  soon 
announced  that  the  battle  had  actually  commenced. 

Mrs.  B.  and  myself  took  our  position  on  the 
field,  according  to  orders,  in  connection  with  Gen. 
Heintzelman's  division,  having  delivered  our  hor 
ses  to  Jack  for  safe  keeping,  with  strict  orders  to 
remain  where  he  was,  for  we  might  require  them 
at  any  moment.  I  imagine  now,  I  see  Mrs.  B.,  as 
she  stood  there,  looking  as  brave  as  possible,  with 
her  narrow  brimmed  leghorn  hat,  black  cloth  rid 
ing  habit,  shortened  to  walking  length  by  the  use 
of  a  page,  a  silver-mounted  seven-shooter  in  her 
belt,  a  canteen  of  water  swung  over  one  shoulder 
and  a  flask  of  brandy  over  the  other,  and  a  haver 
sack  with  provision,  lint,  bandages,  adhesive 
plaster,  etc.  hanging  by  her  side.  She  was  tall 
and  slender,  with  dark  brown  hair,  pale  face,  and 
blue  eyes. 

Chaplain  B.  sat  upon  his  horse  looking  as- 
solemn  as  if  standing  face  to  face  with  the  angel 
of  death.  The  first  man  I  saw  killed  was  a  gun 
ner  belonging  to  Col.  R.'s  command.  A  shell  had 
burst  in  the  midst  of  the  battery,  killing  one  and 
wounding  three  men  and  two  horses.  Mr.  B. 
jumped  from  his  horse,  hitched  it  to  a  tree,  and 
ran  forward  to  the  battery  ;  Mrs.  B.  and  I  follow 
ing  his  example  as  fast  as  we  could.  I  stooped 
over  one  of  the  wounded,  who  lay  upon  his  face 
weltering  in  his  blood ;  I  raised  his  head,  and  who 


40  CLOSE     QUARTERS. 

should  it  be  but  Willie  L.  He  was  mortally- 
wounded  in  the  breast,  and  the  tide  of  life  was 
fast  ebbing  away ;  the  stretchers  were  soon 
brought,  and  he  was  carried  from  the  field. 

Seeing  the  disaster  from  a  distance,  Col.  R. 
rode  up  to  the  battery,  and  as  he  was  engaged 
in.  giving  orders,  a  solid  shot  came  whizzing  by 
in  such  close  proximity  to  his  head,  that  it  stunned 
him  for  a  moment ;  but  soon  recovering,  he  turn 
ed  up  the  side  of  his  head  and  shrugged  his 
shoulders,  a  peculiarity  of  his,  and  in  his  usual 
nasal  twang,  said,  "rather  close  quarters,"  and 
rode  away,  apparently  as  unconcerned  as  if  it  had 
been  a  humming  bird  which  crossed  his  path. 
But  not  content  \\  ith  admonishing  the  Colonel,  the 
same  shot  struck  my  poor  little  flask  of  brandy 
which  lay  near  me  on  a  drum-head,  shattering  it 
as  spitefully  as  if  sent  by  the  combined  force  of 
the  Order  of  "Good  Templars." 

Now  the  battle  began  to  rage  with  terrible  fury. 
Nothing  could  be  heard  save  the  thunder  of  ar 
tillery,  the  clash  of  steel,  and  the  continuous  roar 
of  musketry.  Oh,  what  a  scene  for  the  bright  sun 
of  a  holy  Sabbath  morning  to  shine  upon !  In 
stead  of  the  sweet  influences  which  we  associate 
with  the  Sabbath — the  chiming  of  church  bells 
calling  us  to  the  house  of  prayer,  the  Sabbath 
school,  and  all  the  solemn  duties  of  the  sanctuary, 
there  was  confusion,  destruction  and  death.  There 
was  no  place  of  safety  for  miles  around;  the 


FATE     OF     SKULKERS.  41 

safest  place  was  the  post  of  duty.  Many  that  day 
who  turned  their  backs  upon  the  enemy  and 
sought  refuge  in  the  woods  some  two  miles  dis 
tant,  were  found  torn  to  pieces  by  shell,  or  man 
gled  by  cannon  ball — a  proper  reward  for  those 
who,  insensible  to  shame,  duty,  or  patriotism,  de 
sert  their  cause  and  comrades  in  the  trying  hour 
of  battle,  and  skulk  away  cringing  under  the  fear 
of  death. 


CHAPTER     III. 

WATER  FOR  THE   WOUNDED COL.  CAMERON    KILLED—SCENES  ON" 

THE  BATTLE-FIELD BURNSIDfi's     BRIGADE CAPTURE  OF    GRIF- 

FIN'S    AND   RICKETT'S  BATTERIES — REBELS  REINFORCED — THE 

PANIC  AND    RETREAT — THE   WOUNDED    AT   CENTERVILLE MY 

RKCONNOISSANCE AN  INSANE  WOMAN  ON  THE  FIELD HIDING 

FROM  THE  ENEMY RETURN  TO  THE  WOUNDED EXPECTATION 

OF  CAPTURE ESCAPE  FROM  THE  REBELS MY  WALK  TO  ALEX 
ANDRIA FOOTSORE  AND  WEARY ARRIVAL  IN  WASHINGTON — • 

LETTERS  FROM  DEAD  SOLDIERS'  FRIENDS. 

I  WAS  hurried  off  to  Centerville,  a  distance  of 
seven  miles,  for  a  fresh  supply  of  brandy, 
lint,  etc.  When  I  returned,  the  field  was  literally 
strewn  with  wounded,  dead  and  dying.  Mrs.  B. 
was  nowhere  to  be  found.  Had  she  been  killed 
or  wounded  ?  A  few  moments  of  torturing  sus 
pense  and  then  I  saw  her  coming  toward  me,  run 
ning  her  horse  with  all  possible  speed,  with  about 
fifty  canteens  hanging  from  the  pommel  of  her 


42  WATER    FOR     THE     WOUNDED. 

saddle.  To  all  my  inquiries  there  was  but  one 
answer :  u  Don't  stay  to  care  for  the  wounded 
now ;  the  troops  are  famishing  with  thirst  and  are 
beginning  to  fall  back.1'  Mr.  B.  then  rode  up 
with  the  same  order,  and  we  three  started  for  a 
spring  a  mile  distant,  having  gathered  up  the 
empty  canteens  which  lay  strewn  on  the  field. 
This  was  the  nearest  spring ;  the  enemy  knew  it, 
and  consequently  had  posted  sharpshooters  with 
in  rifle  range  to  prevent  the  troops  being  supplied 
with  water.  Notwithstanding  this,  we  filled  our 
canteens,  while  the  Minnie  balls  fell  thick  and  fast 
around  us,  and  returned  in  safety  to  distribute  the 
fruits  of  our  labor  among  the  exhausted  men. 

We  spent  three  hours  in  this  manner,  while  the 
tide  of  battle  rolled  on  more  fiercely  than  before, 
until  the  enemy  made  a  desperate  charge  on  our 
troops  driving  them  back  and  taking  full  posses 
sion  of  the  spring.  Chaplain  B.'s  horse  was  shot 
through  the  neck  and  bled  to  death  in  a  few  mo 
ments.  Then  Mrs.  B.  and  I  dismounted  and  went 
to  work  again  among  the  wounded. 

Not  long  afterwards  Col.  Cameron,  brother  of 
the  Secretary  of  War,  came  dashing  along  the 
line,  shouting,  u  Come  on  boys,  the  rebels  are  in 
full  retreat."  The  words  had  scarcely  been  utter 
ed  when  he  fell,  pierced  to  the  heart  by  a  bullet. 
Surgeon  P.  was  on  the  ground  in  an  instant,  but 
nothing  could  be  done  for  him ;  his  wound  was 
mortal,  and  he  soon  ceased  to  breathe.  There 


SCENES     ON     THE     FIELD-  43 

was  no  time  to  carry  off  the  dead ;  we  folded  his 
arms  across  his  breast,  closed  his  eyes,  and  left 
him  in  the  cold  embrace  of  death. 

Still  the  battle  continues  without  cessation  ;  the 
grape  and  canister  fill  the  air  as  they  go  screaming 
on  their  fearful  errand ;  the  sight  of  that  field  is 
perfectly  appalling;  men  tossing  their  arms  wild 
ly  calling  for  help;  there  they  lie  bleeding,  torn 
and  mangled ;  legs,  arms  and  bodies  are  crushed 
and  broken  as  if  smitten  by  thunder-bolts ;  the 
ground  is  crimson  with  blood ;  it  is  terrible  to 
witness.  Burnside's  brigade  is  being  mown  down 
like  grass  by  the  rebel  batteries ;  the  men  are  not 
able  to  stand  that  terrible  storm  of  shot  and  shell ; 
they  begin  to  waver  and  fall  back  slowly,  but  just 
at  the  right  moment  Capt.  Sykes  comes  up  to  their 
relief  with  his  command  of  regulars.  They  sweep 
up  the  hill  where  Burnside's  exhausted,  shattered 
brigade  still  lingers,  and  are  greeted  with  a  shout 
of  joy,  such  as  none  but  soldiers,  who  are  almost 
overpowered  by  a  fierce  enemy,  and  are  reinforced 
by  their  brave  comrades,  can  give. 

Onward  they  go,  close  up  to  the  cloud  of  flame 
and  smoke  rolling  from  the  hill  upon  which  the 
rebel  batteries  are  placed — their  muskets  are  lev 
eled — there  is  a  click,  click — a  sheet  of  flame — a 
deep  roll  like  that  of  thunder,  and  the  rebel  gun 
ners  are  seen  to  stagger  and  fall.  The  guns  be 
come  silent,  and  in  a  few  moments  are  abandoned. 
This  seems  to  occasion  great  confusion  in  the  rebel 


44  CAPTURE     OF     BATTERIES. 

ranks.  Regiments  were  scattered,  and  officers 
were  seen  riding  furiously  and  shouting  their  or 
ders,  which  were  heard  above  the  roar  and  din  of 
battle. 

Captain  Griffin's  and  Rickett's  batteries  are  or 
dered  forward  to  an  eminence  from  which  the 
rebels  have  been  driven.  They  come  into  posi 
tion  and  open  a  most  destructive  fire  which  com 
pletely  routs  the  enemy.  The  battle  seems  almost 
won  and  the  enemy  is  retreating  in  confusion. 
Hear  what  rebel  Gen.  Johnson  says  of  his  pros 
pects  at  that  time,  in  his  official  report :  "  The 
long  contest  against  a  powerful  enemy,  and  heavy 
losses,  especially  of  field  officers,  had  greatly  dis 
couraged  the  troops  of  Gen.  Bee  and  Col.  Evans. 
The  aspect  of  affairs  was  critical."  Another 
writes :  "  Fighting  for  hours  under  a  burning  sun, 
without  a  drop  of  water,  the  conduct  of  our  men 
could  not  be  excelled ;  but  human  endurance  has 
its  bounds,  and  all  seemed  about  to  be  lost."  This 
goes  to  prove  that  it  was  a  desperately  hard  fought 
battle  on  both  sides,  and  if  no  fresh  troops  had 
been  brought  into  the  field,  the  victory  would  as 
suredly  have  been  OUTS. 

But  just  as  our  army  is  confident  of  success, 
and  is  following  up  the  advantage  which  it  has 
gained,  rebel  reinforcements  arrive  and  turn  the 
tide  of  battle.  Two  rebel  regiments  of  fresh 
troops  are  sent  to  make  a  flank  movement  in  order 
to  capture  Griffin's  and  Rickett's  batteries.  They 


PANIC     AND     RETREAT.  45 

march  through  the  woods,  reach  the  top  of  the 
hill,  and  form  a  line  so  completely  in  our  rear  as 
to  fire  almost  upon  the  backs  of  the  gunners. 
Griffin  sees  them  approach,  but  supposes  them  to 
be  his  supports  sent  by  Major  Barry.  However 
looking  more  intently  at  them,  he  thinks  they  are 
rebels,  and  turns  his  guns  upon  them.  Just  as  he 
is  about  to  give  the  order  to  fire,  Major  B.  rides 
up  shouting,  u  They  are  your  supports,  don't  fire." 
"No,  sir,  they  are  rebels,"  replied  Capt.  Griffin. 
"  I  tell  you,  sir,  they  are  your  supports,"  said  Major 
B.  In  obedience  to  orders  the  guns  were  turned 
again,  and  while  in  the  act  of  doing  so,  the  sup 
posed  supports  fired  a  volley  upon  the  gunners. 
Men  and  horses  went  down  in  an  instant.  A  mo 
ment  more  and  those  famous  batteries  were  in  the 
hands  of  the  enemy. 

The  news  of  this  disaster  spread  along  our  lines 
like  wildfire ;  officers  and  men  were  alike  con 
founded  ;  regiment  after  regiment  broke  and  ran, 
and  almost  immediately  the  panic  commenced. 
Companies  of  cavalry  were  drawn  up  in  line  across 
the  road,  with  drawn  sabers,  but  all  was  not  suffi 
cient  to  stop  the  refluent  tide  of  fugitives.  Then 
came  the  artillery  thundering  along,  drivers  lash 
ing  their  horses  furiously,  which  greatly  added  to 
the  terror  of  the  panic  stricken  thousands  crowd 
ed  together  en  masse.  In  this  manner  we  reached 
Centerville  where  order  was  in  some  measure  re~ 
stored. 


46  WOUNDED     AT     CENTERVILLE. 

Mrs.  B.  and  I  made  our  way  to  the  stone  church 
around  which  we  saw  stacks  of  dead  bodies  piled 
up,  and  arms  and  legs  were  thrown  together  in 
heaps.  But  how  shall  I  describe  the  scene  within 
the  church  at  that  hour.  Oh,  there  was  suffering 
there  which  no  pen  can  ever  describe.  One  case 
I  can  never  forget.  It  was  that  of  a  poor  fellow 
whose  legs  were  both  broken  above  the  knees,  and 
from  the  knees  to  the  thighs  they  were  literally 
smashed  to  fragments.  lie  was  dying ;  but  oh, 
what  a  death  was  that.  He  was  insane,  perfectly 
wild,  and  required  two  persons  to  hold  him.  In 
flammation  had  set  in,  and  was  rapidly  doing  its 
work ;  death  soon  released  him,  and  it  was  a  re 
lief  to  all  present  as  well  as  to  the  poor  sufferer. 

I  went  to  another  dying  one  who  was  bearing 
patiently  all  his  sufferings.  Oh,  poor  pale  face  ! 
1  see  it  now,  with  its  white  lips  and  beseeching 
eyes ;,  and  then  the  touching  inquiry,  uDo  you 
think  Til  die  before  morning  ?"  I  told  him  I 
thought  he  would,  and  asked  :  "  Has  death  any 
terrors  for  you  ?"  He  smiled  that  beautiful  trust 
ing  smile  which  we  sometimes  see  on  the  lips  of 
the  dying  saint,  as  he  replied :  "  Oh  no,  I  shall 
soon  be  asleep  in  Jesus"  ;  and  then  in  a  low  plain 
tive  voice  he  repeated  the  verse  commencing, 

Asleep  in  Jesus,  blessed  sleep. 

While  I  stood  beside  him  thus,  some  one  tapped 
me  on  the  shoulder.  On  turning  round  I  was 
beckoned  to  the  side  of  one  who  was  laid  in  a 


DEATH     OF     WILLIE     L.  47 

corner,  on  the  floor,  with  his  face  toward  the  wall. 
I  knelt  beside  him  and  asked  :  "  What  can  I  do 
for  you,  my  friend  ?"  He  opened  his  eyes,  with 
an  effort,  and  said,  UI  wish  you  to  take  that," 
pointing  to  a  small  package  which  lay  beside  him, 
u  keep  it  until  you  get  to  Washington,  and  then, 
if  it  is  not  too  much  trouble,  I  want  you  to  write 
to  mother  and  tell  her  how  I  was  wounded,  and 
that  I  died  trusting  in  Jesus."  Then  I  knew  that 
I  was  kneeling  beside  Willie  L.  He  was  almost 
gone — just  ready  u  to  lay  down  the  cross  and 
take  up  the  crown."  lie  signed  to  me  to  come 
nearer ;  and  as  I  did  so,  he  put  his  hand  to  his 
head  and  tried  to  separate  a  lock  of  hair  with  his 
fingers,  but  his  strength  failed ;  however,  I  under 
stood  that  he  wished  me  to  cut  off  a  lock  to  send 
to  his  mother  with  the  package.  When  he  saw 
that  I  understood  him  he  seemed  pleased  that  his 
last  request  was  complied  with. 

Chaplain  B.  came  and  prayed  with  him,  and 
while  he  was  praying,  the  happy  spirit  of  Willie 
returned  to  Him  who  gave  it.  Heaven  gained  in 
this  instance  another  soul,  but  there  was  mourn 
ing  in  that  widowed  mother's  heart.  I  thought, 
oh,  how  appropriate  were  the  words  of  the  poet 
to  that  lonely  mother : 

Not  on  the  tented  field, 

0  terror-fronted  War  ! 
Not  on  the  battle-field, 

All  thy  bleeding  victims  are ; 


48  MY     RECONNOISSANCE. 

But  in  the  lowly  homes 

Where  sorrow  broods  like  death, 
And  fast  the  mother's  sobs 

Rise  with  each  quick-drawn  breath. 

That  dimmed  eye,  fainting  close — 

And  she  may  not  be  nigh ! 
'Tis  mothers  die — 0  God! 

'Tis  but  we  mothers  die. 

Our  hearts  and  hands  being  fully  occupied  with 
such  scenes  as  these,  we  thought  of  nothing  else. 
We  knew  nothing  of  the  true  state  of  affairs  out 
side,  nor  could  we  believe  it  possible  when  we 
learned  that  the  whole  army  had  retreated  toward 
Washington,  leaving  the  wounded  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  and  us,  too,  in  rather  an  unpleasant  sit 
uation.  I  could  not  believe  the  stern  truth,  and 
was  determined  to  find  out  for  myself.  Conse 
quently  I  went  back  to  the  heights,  where  I  had 
seen  the  troops  stack  their  guns  and  throw  them 
selves  upon  the  ground  at  night-fall,  but  no  troops 
were  there.  I  thought  then  that  they  had  merely 
changed  their  position,  and  that  by  going  over 
the  field  I  should  certainly  find  them.  I  had  not 
gone  far  before  I  saw  a  camp  fire  in  the  distance. 
Supposing  that  I  had  found  a  clue  to  the  secret,  I 
made  all  haste  toward  the  fire  ;  but  as  I  drew  near 
T  saw  but  one  solitary  figure  sitting  by  it,  and  that 
was  the  form  of  a  female. 

Upon  going  up  to  her  I  recognised  her  as  one 
of  the  washerwomen  of  our  army,  I  asked  her 
what  she  was  doing  there  and  where  the  army 


AN     INSANE     WOMAN.  49 

had  gone.  Said  she:  "I  don't  know  anything 
about  the  army ;  I  am  cooking  my  husband's  sup 
per,  and  am  expecting  him  home  every  minute ; 
.  see  what  a  lot  of  things  I  have  got  for  him," 
pointing  to  a  huge  pile  of  blankets,  haversacks 
and  canteens  which  she  had  gathered  up,  and  over 
which  she  had  constituted  herself  sentinel.  I 
soon  found  out  that  the  poor  creature  had  become 
insane.  The  excitement  of  battle  had  proved  too 
much  for  her,  and  all  my  endeavors  to  persuade 
her  to  come  with  me  were  unavailing.  I  had 
no  time  to  spare,  for  I  was  convinced  that  the 
army  had  really  decamped. 

Once  more  I  started  in  the  direction  of  Center- 
ville.     I  had  not  gone  more  than  a  few  rods  be 
fore  I  heard  the  clatter  of  horses'  hoofs.     I  stop 
ped,  and  looking  in  the  direction  of  the  fire  I  had 
just  quitted,  I  saw  a  squad  of  cavalry  ride  up  to 
the  woman  who  still  sat  there.     Fortunately  I  had 
no  horse  to  make  a  noise  or  attract  attention,  hav 
ing  left  mine  at  the  hospital  with  the  intention  of 
returning   immediately.      It  was  evident  to  my 
mind   that   those  were  the  enemy's   cavalry,  and 
that  it  was  necessary  for  me  to  keep  out  of  sight 
if  possible    until    they   were    gone.     Then    the 
thought  came  to  me  that  the  woman  at  the  fire 
knew  no  better  than  to  tell  them  that  I  had  been 
there  a  few  minutes  before.     Happily,  however,  I 
was  near  a  fence,  against  which  there  were  great 
jpiles  of  brush,  and  as  the  night  was  becoming  very 


50  HIDING     FROM     THE     ENEMY. 

dark  and  it  was  beginning  to  rain,  I  thought  I 
could  remain  undetected,  at  least  until  morning. 
My  suspicions  proved  to  be  correct.  They  were 
coming  toward  me,  and  compelling  the  woman  to 
come  and  show  them  the  direction  I  had  taken  ;  I 
decided  to  crawl  under  one  of  those  brush  heaps, 
which  I  did,  and  had  scarcely  done  so,  when  up 
they  came  and  stopped  over  against  the  identical 
pile  in  which  I  was  concealed. 

One  of  the  men  said  "  See  here  old  woman,  are 
you  sure  that   she   can  tell  us  if  we  find  her  ?" 
U0h,  yes,  she  can  tell  you,  I  know  she  can,"  was 
the  woman's  reply.     They  would  go  away  a  little 
distance  and  then  come  back  again ;  by  and  by 
they  began  to  accuse  the  woman  of  playing  a  false 
game  ;  then  they  swore,  threatened  to  shoot  her, 
and  she  began  to  cry.     All  this  was  an  interesting 
performance  I  admit ;  but  I  did  not  enjoy  it  quite 
so  much,  in  consequence  of  being  rather  uncom 
fortably  near  the  performers.     At  last  they  gave 
it  up  as  a  hopeless  case  and  rode  away  taking  the 
woman  with  them,  and  I  was  left  in  blissful  igno 
rance   of  the  mystery  which  they  wished  me  to 
unravel,  and  for  once  in  my  life  I  rejoiced  at  not 
having  my  "  curiosity  "  gratified. 

I  remained  there  until  the  last  echo  of  their  re 
treating  footsteps  had  died  away  in  the  distance  ; 
then  I  came  forth  very  cautiously  and  made  my 
way  to  Centerville,  where  the  interesting  intelli 
gence  awaited  me  that  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  had  gone, 


E  X  P  E  0  T  A  T  ION     O  F     C  A  P  T  U  R  E  .  51 

and  had  taken  my  horse,  supposing  that  I  had 
been  taken  prisoner. 

The  village  of  Centerville  was  not  yet  occupied 
by  the  rebels,  so  that  I  might  have  made  my  es 
cape  without  any  further  trouble ;  but  how  could 
I  go  and  leave  those  hospitals  full  of  dying  men, 
without  a  soul  to  give  them  a  drink  of  water  ?  I 
must  go  into  that  Stone  Church  once  more,  even 
at  the  risk  of  being  taken  prisoner.  I  did  so — and 
the  cry  of  "Water,"  "water,"  was  heard  above 
the  groans  of  the  dying.  Chaplain  B.  had  told 
them  before  leaving  that  they  would  soon  be  in 
the  hands  of  the  enemy — that  the  army  had  re 
treated  to  Washington,  and  that  there  was  no  pos 
sibility  of  removing  the  wounded.  There  they 
lay,  calmly  awaiting  the  approach  of  their  cruel 
captors,  and  apparently  prepared  to  accept  with 
resignation  any  fate  which  their  cruelty  might  sug 
gest.  Oh,  how  brave  those  men  were!  What 
moral  courage  they  possessed !  Nothing  but  the 
grace  of  God  and  a  right  appreciation  of  the  great 
cause  in  which  they  had  nobly  fought,  and  bled, 
could  reconcile  them  to  such  suffering  and  humilia 
tion. 

They  all  urged  me  to  leave  them,  and  not  sub 
ject  myself  to  the  barbarous  treatment  which  I 
would  be  likely  to  receive  if  I  should  be  taken 
prisoner,  adding — "  If  you  do  stay  the  rebels  will 
not  let  you  do  anything  for  us."  One  of  the  men 
said:  "Dr.  E.  has  only  been  gone  a  little  while—- 


52       ESCAPE  FROM  THE  REBELS. 

lie  extracted  three  balls  from  my  leg  and  arm,  and 
that,  too,  with  his  pen-knife.  I  saw  twenty-one 
balls  which  he  had  taken  from  the  limbs  of  men  in 
this  hospital.  He  was  determined  to  remain  with 
us,  but  we  would  not  consent,  for  we  knew  he 
would  not  be  allowed  to  do  any  more  for  us  after 
the  rebels  came;  and  you  must  go  too,  and  go 
very  soon  or  they  will  be  here." 

After  placing  water  within  the  reach  of  as  many 
as  could  use  their  arms,  and  giving  some  to  those 
who  could  not — I  turned  to  leave  them,  with  feel 
ings  that  I  cannot  describe ;  but  ere  I  reached  the 
door  a  feeble  voice  called  me  back — it  was  that  of 
a  young  officer  from  Massachusetts ;  he  held  in  his 
hand  a  gold  locket,  and  as  he  handed  it  to  me  he 
said — "Will  you  please  to  open  it?"  I  did  so, 
and  then  held  it  for  him  to  take  a  last  look  at  the 
picture  which  it  contained.  He  grasped  it  eagerly 
and  pressed  it  to  his  lips  again  and  again.  The 
picture  was  that  of  a  lady  of  rare  beauty,  with  an 
infant  in  her  arms.  She  seemed  scarcely  more 
than  a  child  herself;  on  the  opposite  side  was 
printed  her  name  and  address.  While  he  still 
gazed  upon  it  with  quivering  lip,  and  I  stood 
there  waiting  for  some  tender  message  for  the 
loved  ones,  the  unmistakable  tramp  of  cavalry  was 
heard  in  the  street — a  moment  more,  and  I  had 
snatched  the  locket  from  the  hands  of  the  dying 
*nan  and  was  gone. 

The  streets  were  full  of  cavalry,  but  not  near 


ARRIVAL    IN    WASHINGTON.  53 

enough  to  discover  me,  as  the  night  was  exceed 
ingly  dark  and  the  rain  came  down  in  torrents. 
One  glance  was  sufficient  to  convince  me  that  I 
could  not  escape  by  either  street.  The  only  way 
was  to  climb  a  fence  and  go  across  lots,  which  I 
immediately  did,  and  came  out  on  the  Fairfax  road 
about  a  mile  from  the  village,  and  then  started  for 
Washington  on  the  "  double  quick."  I  did  not 
reach  Alexandria  until  noon  the  next  day — almost 
exhausted,  and  my  shoes  literally  worn  off  my  feet. 
Having  walked  all  the  way  from  Cdnterville  in  the 
rain,  without  food,  together  with  want  of  sleep 
and  the  fatigue  of  the  past  week,  caused  me  to 
present  rather  an  interesting  appearance.  I  re 
mained  there  two  days  before  I  could  persuade 
my  limbs  to  bear  the  weight  of  my  body.  I  then 
made  my  way  to  Washington,  where  I  found  my 
friends  quite  anxious  lest  I  had  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.  A  number  of  men  from 
whom  I  had  received  packages,  money,  etc.,  before 
going  into  battle,  and  who  reached  Washington 
two  days  before  I  did,  had  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  they  had  taken  a  pretty  sure  way  of  sending 
those  precious  things  to  Richmond,  and  therefore 
my  arrival  was  rather  an  important  event,  and  I 
was  greeted  with  a  hearty  welcome. 

My  first  duty  was  to  attend  to  those  dying  sol 
diers'  requests,  which  I  did  immediately  by  writing 
to  their  friends  and  inclosing  the  articles  which  I 
had  received  from  the  hands  of  those  loved  ones 


54  GRATEFUL     RETURNS. 

who  were  now  cold  in  death.  The  answers  to 
many  of  those  letters  lie  before  me  while  I  write, 
and  are  full  of  gratitude  and  kind  wishes.  One 
in  particular  I  cannot  read  without  weeping.  It  is 
from  Willie's  Mother.  The  following  are  a  few 
extracts:  "  Oh,  can  it  be  that  my  Willie  will  re 
turn  to  me  no  more  ?  Shall  I  never  see  my  dar 
ling  boy  again,  until  I  see  him  clothed  in  the 
righteousness  of  Christ — thank  God  I  shall  see 
him  then — I  shall  see  him  then." 

ISTow  with  all  the  mother's  heart 
Torn  and  quivering  with  the  smart, 
I  yield  him,  'neath  the  chastening  rod, 
To  my  country  and  my  God. 

"  Oh,  how  I  want  to  kiss  those  hands  that  closed 
my  darling's  eyes,  and  those  lips  which  spoke 
Words  of  comfort  to  him  in  a  dying  hour.  The 
love  and  prayers  of  a  bereaved  mother  will  follow 
you  all  through  the  journey  of  life."  Yes,  he  is 
gone  to  return  to  her  no  more  on  earth,  but  her 
loss  is  his  eternal  gain. 

Servant  of  God  well  done ! 

Rest  from  thy  loved  employ ; 
The  battle  fought,  the  victory  won, 

Enter  thy  Master's  joy. 

He  at  least  had  won  a  victory — notwithstanding 
the  defeat  of  the  federal  army.  Yes,  a  glorious 
Victory. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

WASHINGTON    AFTER    BULL    RUN-    DEMORALIZATION    OF  THE   ARM? 

SICK     SOLDIERS HOSPITAL     SCENES EXTRACTS     FROM     MY 

JOURNAL SYMPATHY  OF    SOLDIERS FISHING  FOR  THE  SICK 

A    FISH-LOVING   DUTCHMAN REORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY 

A    VISIT    TO     THE     PICKETS PICKET     DUTIES    AND    DANGERS 

THE  ARMY  INACTIVE MC  CLELLAN^S  ADDRESS MARCHING  OR 
DERS    AGAIN EMBARKATION     OF     THE     ARMY     FOR     FORTRESS 

MjONROE THE    CROWDED     TRANSPORTS DESCRIPTION    OF    THE 

MONITOR HER     BUILD     AND     ARMAMENT HER     TURRET     AND 

ENGINES. 

WASHINGTON  at  that  time  presented  a  pic 
ture  strikingly  illustrative  of  military  life  in 
its  most  depressing  form.  To  use  the  words  of 
Captain  Noyes — u  There  were  stragglers  sneaking 
along  through  the  mud  inquiring  for  their  regi 
ments,  wanderers  driven  in  by  the  pickets,  some 
with  guns  and  some  without,  while  every  one  you 
met  had  a  sleepy,  downcast  appearance,  and  looked 
as  if  he  would  like  to  hide  his  head  from  all  the 
world."  Every  bar-room  and  groggery  seemed 
filled  to  overflowing  with  officers  and  men,  and 
military  discipline  was  nearly,  or  quite,  forgotten 
for  a  time  in  the  army  of  the  Potomac.  While 
Washington  was  in  this  chaotic  condition,  the  rebel 
flag  was  floating  over  Munson's  Hill,  in  plain  sight 
of  the  Federal  Capital. 


56  SICK     SOLDIERS. 

When  General  McClellan  took  command  of  the 
army  of  the  Potomac,  he  found  it  in  a  most  la 
mentable  condition,  and  the  task  of  reorganizing 
and  disciplining  such  a  mass  of  demoralized  men 
was  a  Herculean  one.  However,  he  proved  him 
self  equal  to  the  task,  and  I  think,  that  even  his 
enemies  are  willing  to  admit,  that  theie  is  no 
parallel  case  in  history  where  there  has  been  more 
tact,  energy  and  skill  displayed  in  transforming  a 
disorganized  mob  into  an  efficient  and  effective 
army ;  in  fact,  of  bringing  order  out  of  confusion. 

The  hospitals  in  Washington,  Alexandria  and 
Georgetown  were  crowded  with  wounded,  sick, 
discouraged  soldiers.  That  extraordinary  march 
from  Bull  Run,  through  rain,  mud,  and  chagrin, 
did  more  toward  filling  the  hospitals  than  did  the 
battle  itself.  I  found  Mrs.  B.  in  a  hospital,  suffer 
ing  from  typhoid  fever,  while  Chaplain  B.  was 
looking  after  the  temporal  and  spiritual  wants  of 
the  men  with  his  usual  energy  and  sympathy.  He 
had  many  apologies  to  offer  ufor  running  away 
with  my  horse,"  as  he  termed  if.  There  were 
many  familiar  faces  missing,  and  it  required  con 
siderable  time  to  ascertain  the  fate  of  my  friends. 
Many  a  weary  walk  I  had  from  one  hospital  to  an 
other  to  find  some  missing  one  who  was  reported 
to  have  been  sent  to  such  and  such  a  hospital ;  but 
after  reading  the  register  from  top  to  bottom  I 
would  find  no  such  name  there.  Perhaps  on  my 
way  out,  in  passing  the  open  door  of  one  of  the 


EXTRACTS  FROM  MY  JOURNAL.     57 

wards,  who  should  I  see,  laid  upon  a  cot,  but  the 
very  object  of  my  search,  and  upon  returning  to 
the  office  to  inform  the  steward  of  the  fact,  I  would 
find  that  "it  was  a  slight  mistake;  in  registering 
the  name ;  instead  of  being  Josiah  Phelps,  it  was 
Joseph  Philips;  only  a  slight  mistake,  but  such 
mistakes  cause  a  great  deal  of  trouble  sometimes. 
Measels,  dysentery  and  typhoid  fever  were  the 
prevailing  diseases  after  the  retreat.  After  spend 
ing  several  days  in  visiting  the  different  hospitals, 
looking  after  personal  friends,  and  writing  letters 
for  the  soldiers  who  were  not  able  to  write  for 
themselves,  I  was  regularly  installed  in  one  of  the 
general  hospitals.  I  will  here  insert  an  extract 
from  my  journal :  "Aug.  3d,  1SG1.  Georgetown, 
D.  C.  Have  been  on  duty  all  day.  John  C.  is 
perfectly  wild  with  delirium,  and  keeps  shouting 
fct  the  top  of  his  voice  some  military  command,  or, 
tvhen  vivid  recollections  of  the  battle  field  come  to 
his  mind,  he  enacts  a  pantomime  of  the  terrible 
strife — he  goes  through  the  whole  manual  of  ari^is 
as  correctly  as  if  he  were  in  the  ranks ;  and  as  he, 
hi  imagination,  loads  and  fires  in  quick  succession, 
the  flashing  of  his  dying  eye  and  the  nervous  vigor 
of  his  trembling  hands  give  fearful  interest  to  the 
supposed  encounter  with  the  enemy.  When  we 
tell  him  the  enemy  has  retreated,  he  persists  in 
pursuing ;  and  throwing  his  arms  wildly  around 
him  he  shouts  to  his  men — '  Come  on  and  fight 
while  there  is  a  rebel  left  in  Virginia !'  My  friend 


58  HOSPITAL     SCENES. 

Lieut.  M.  is  extremely  weak  and  nervous,  and  the 
wild  ravings  of  J.  C.  disturb  him  exceedingly.  1 
requested  Surgeon  P.  to  have  him  removed  to  a 
more  quiet  ward,  and  received  in  reply — .'  This  is 
the  most  quiet  ward  in  the  whole  building.'  There 
are  five  hundred  patients  here  who  require  con 
stant  attention,  and  not  half  enough  nurses  to  take 
care  of  them. 

"  Oh,  what  an  amount  of  suffering  I  am  called 
to  witness  every  hour  and  every  moment.  There 
is  no  cessation,  and  yet  it  is  strange  that  the  sight 
of  all  this  suffering  and  death  does  not  affect  me 
more.  I  am  simply  eyes,  ears,  hands  and  feet.  It 
does  seem  as  if  there  is  a  sort  of  stoicism  granted 
for  such  occasions.  There  are  great,  strong  men 
dying  all  around  me,  and  while  I  write  there  are 
three  being  carried  past  the  window  to  the  dead 
room.  This  is  an  excellent  hospital — everything 
is  kept  in  good  order,  and  the  medical  officers  are 
skillful,  kind  and  attentive." 

rThe  weary  weeks  went  slowly  by,  while  disease 
and  death  preyed  upon  the  men,  and  the  "  Sol 
diers'  Cemetery"  was  being  quickly  filled  with  new 
made  graves.  The  kindness  of  the  soldiers  toward 
each  other  is  proverbial,  and  is  manifested  in  vari 
ous  ways.  It  is  a  common  thing  to  see  soldiers 
stand  guard  night  after  night  for  sick  comrades — > 
and  when  off  duty  try,  to  the  utmost  of  their  skill, 
to  prepare  their  food  in  such  a  way  as  to  tempt 
the  appetite  of  those  poor  fellows  whom  the  sur- 


SYMPATHY    OF     SOLDIERS.  59 

geons  u  do  not  consider  sufficiently  ill  to  excuse 
from  duty ;"  but  their  comrades  do,  and  do  not 
hesitate  to  perform  their  duty  and  their  own  also. 
And  when  brought  to  camp  hospital,  helpless, 
worn  down  by  disease,  and  fever  preying  upon 
their  vitals — those  brave  and  faithful  comrades  do 
not  forsake  them,  but  come  several  times  every 
day  to  inquire  how  they  are,  and  if  there  is  any 
thing  they  can  do  for  them.  And  it  is  touching 
to  see  those  men,  with  faces  bronzed  and  stern, 
tenderly  bending  over  the  dying,  while  the  tears 
course  down  their  sunburnt  cheeks. 

There  is  scarcely  a  soldier's  grave  where  there 
is  not  to  be  seen  some  marks  of  this  noble  charac 
teristic  of  the  soldier — the  tastefully  cut  sod,  the 
planted  evergreen,  the  carefully  carved  head 
board,  all  tell  of  the  affectionate  remembrance  of 
the  loved  comrade.  You  will  scarcely  find  such 
strong  and  enduring  friendship — such  a  spirit  of 
self-sacrifice,  and  such  noble  and  grateful  hearts, 
as  among  the  soldiers.  I  think  this  is  one  reason 
why  the  nurses  do  not  feel  the  fatigue  of  hospital 
duty  more  than  they  do ;  the  gratitude  of  the  men 
seems  to  act  as  a  stimulant,  and  the  patient,  un 
complaining  faces  of  those  suffering  men  almost 
invariably  greet  you  with  a  smile.  I  used  to  think 
that  it  was  a  disgrace  for  any  one,  under  ordinary 
circumstances,  to  be  heard  complaining,  when 
those  mutilated,  pain-racked  ones  bore  everything 
with  such  heroic  fortitude. 


60  FISHING     FOR     THE     SICK. 

I  was  not  in  the  habit  of  going  among  the  pa 
tients  with  a  long,  doleful  face,  nor  intimating  by 
word  or  look  that  their  case  was  a  hopeless  one, 
unless  a  man  was  actually  dying,  and  I  felt  it  to  be 
my  duty  to  tell  him  so.  Cheerfulness  was  my 
motto,  and  a  wonderful  effect  it  had  sometimes  on 
the  despondent,  gloomy  feelings  of  discouraged 
and  homesick  sufferers.  I  noticed  that  whenever 
I  failed  to  arouse  a  man  from  such  a  state  of  feel 
ing,  it  generally  proved  a  hopeless  case.  They 
were  very  likely  not  to  recover  if  they  made  up 
their  minds  that  they  must  die,  and  persisted  in 
believing  that  there  was  no  alternative. 

There  were  a  great  many  pleasant  things  in 
connection  with  our  camp  hospital  duties.  I  really 
enjoyed  gratifying  some  of  the  whims  and  strange 
fancies  of  our  poor  convalescent  boys,  with  whom 
I  had  become  quite  a  favorite.  As  I  would  pass 
along  through  the  hospital  in  the  morning,  I  would 
generally  have  plenty  of  assistants  in  helping  to 
make  out  my  programme  for  the  day.  For  one  I 
had  to  write  letters,  read  some  particular  book  to 
another,  and  for  a  third  I  must  catch  some  fish.  I 
remember  on  one  occasion  of  an  old  Dutchman,  a 
typhoid  convalescent,  declaring  that  he  could  eat 
nothing  until  he  could  get  some  fresh  fish,  and  of 
course  I  must  procure  them  for  him.  "  But,"  said 
I,  "the  doctor  must  be  consulted;  perhaps  he  will 
not  think  it  best  for  you  to  have  any  fish  yet,  until 
you  are  stronger."  "Yell,  I  dusn't  care  for  te  toctor 


REORGANIZATION   OF   THE    ARMY.       Gl 

• — he  dusn't  know  vat  mine  appetite  ish — te  feesli 
I  must  have.  Oh,  mine  Cot !  I  must  have  some 
feesh."  And  the  old  man  wept  like  a  child  at  the 
thought  of  being  disappointed.  u  Hunter's  Creek  " 
was  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  camp,  where  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  B.  and  I  had  spent  many  an  hour  fishing 
and  shooting  at  the  flocks  of  wild  ducks  which 
frequented  it ;  so,  after  providing  myself  with 
hook,  line  and  bait,  I  made  my  way  to  the  creek. 
Soon  after  I  commenced  operations  I  drew  up  a 
monstrous  eel,  which  defied  all  my  efforts  to  re 
lease  the  hook  from  its  jaws.  At  last  I  was  obliged 
to  draw  it  into  camp  by  means  of  the  line — and  I 
was  amply  repaid  for  my  trouble  on  seeing  the 
delight  of  the  convalescents,  and  especially  of  my 
old  Dutchman,  who  continued  to  slap  his  hands 
together  and  say — u  Dhat  ish  coot— dhat  ish  coot." 
The  eel  was  handed  over  to  the  cook  to  be  pre 
pared  for  dinner,  and  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the 
Dutchman  he  was  permitted  to  enjoy  a  portion  of  it. 

The  army  under  McClellan  began  to  assume  a 
warlike  aspect — perfect  order  and  military  disci 
pline  were  observed  everywhere  among  the  sol 
diers.  It  was  a  splendid  sight  to  see  those  well 
drilled  troops  on  dress-parade — or  being  reviewed 
by  their  gallant  young  commander,  upon  whose 
shoulders  the  "stars"  sat  with  so  much  grace  and 
dignity. 

The  monotony  of  camp  life  began  to  be  broken 
up  by  armed  reconnoissances  and  skirmishing  be- 


62  A     VISIT     TO     THE     PICKETS. 

tween  the  pickets.  Our  lines  were  pushed  for* 
ward  to  Lewinsville  on  the  right,  and  to  Munson's 
Hill  in  front.  The  pickets  of  both  armies  were 
posted  in  plain  sight  of  each  other,  only  separated 
by  the  beautiful  corn-fields  and  peach-orchards. 
Picket  firing  was  kept  up  all  along  the  lines  on 
both  sides,  notwithstanding  that  flags  of  truce  had 
been  sent  in  by  both  parties,  several  times,  re 
questing  that  this  barbarous  practice  might  cease. 
As  soon  as  Mrs.  B.  was  so  far  recovered  as  to 
be  able  to  ride,  we  started  one  day,  accompanied 
by  Mr.  B.  and  Dr.  E.,  for  Munson's  Hill,  to  see  the 
pickets  on  duty.  We  rode  along  until  we  came 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  rifle  pits  where  our 
men  were,  when  the  rebels  fired  upon  us.  We 
turned  and  rode  back  until  we  came  to  a  clump  of 
trees,  where  we  dismounted,  hitched  our  horses, 
and  proceeded  the  rest  of  the  way  on  foot — part 
of  the  way  having  to  crouch  along  on  our  hands 
and  knees,  in  order  to  escape  the  bullets  which  were 
whistling  above  us.  We  reached  the  rifle  pits  in 
safety,  which  were  close  to  a  rail  fence,  the  rails  of 
which  were  perfectly  riddled  with  Minnie  balls. 
While  we  sat  there  looking  through  an  opera- 
glass,  whiz !  came  a  ball  and  struck  the  rail  against 
which  my  head  rested ;  glancing,  it  passed  through 
Dr.  E.'s  cap  and  lodged  in  the  shoulder  of  one  of 
the  men.  We  remained  there  until  the  firing 
ceased,  then  returned  to  camp,  carrying  with  us 
the  wounded  man. 


PICKET     DUTIES   AND     DANGERS.         63 

Picket  duty  is  one  of  the  most  perilous  and  try 
ing  duties  connected  with  the  service.  A  clergy^ 
man-soldier  writing  upon  this  subject,  briefly 
describes  it :  u  Picket  duty  at  all  times  is  arbitrary, 
but  at  night  it  is  trebly  so.  No  monarch  on  a 
throne,  with  absolute  power,  is  more  independent, 
or  exercises  greater  sway  for  the  time  being,  than 
a  private  soldier  stationed  on  his  beat  with  an 
enemy  in  front.  Darkness  veils  all  distinctions. 
He  is  not  obliged  to  know  his  own  officers  or  com 
rades,  or  the  commanding  general,  only  through 
the  means  of  the  countersign.  With  musket  loaded 
and  capped  he  walks  his  rounds,  having  to  do 
with  matters  only  of  life  and  death,  and  at  the 
same  time  clothed  with  absolute  power.  It  is  a 
position  of  fearful  importance  and  responsibility, 
one  that  makes  a  man  feel  solemn  and  terribly  in 
earnest.  Often,  too,  these  posts  are  in  thick 
woods,  where  the  soldier  stands  alone,  cut  off  from 
camp,  cut  off  from  his  fellows,  subject  only  to  the 
harrassings  of  his  own  imagination  and  sense  of 
danger.  The  shadows  deepen  into  inky  night ; 
all  objects  around  him,  even  the  little  birds  that 
were  his  companions  during  the  day,  are  gathered 
within  the  curtains  of  a  hushed  repose ;  but  the 
soldier,  with  every  nerve  and  faculty  of  his  mind 
strained  to  the  utmost  tension  of  keenness  and 
sensibility,  speaks  only  in  whispers;  his  fingers 
tighten  round  the  stock  of  his  musket  as  he  leans 
forward  to  catch  the  sound  of  approaching  foot- 


64  MCCLELLAN'S    ADDRESS. 

steps,  or,  in  absence  of  danger,  looks  longingly  up  to 
the  cold,  grey  sky,  with  its  wealth  of  shining  stars." 

Yes,  the  picket  is  exposed  to  danger  constantly, 
and  to  various  kinds  of  danger.  He  knows  not 
what  moment  a  lurking  foe  may  spring  upon  him 
from  the  darkness,  or  a  bullet  from  a  scout  or 
sharpshooter  may  reach  him  at  any  time.  Then, 
too,  he  is  exposed  to  the  raging  elements — heat 
and  cold,  rain  and  snow ;  no  matter  whether  in 
the  depths  of  the  forest,  or  in  the  open  plain,  or 
in  the  rifle-pit  standing  in  water  knee  deep,  the 
poor  picket  must  not  heed  the  storm,  but  keep 
both  eyes  and  ears  open  to  catch  the  slightest 
sound.  After  severe  marches,  when  the  men  are 
greatly  fatigued,  and  it  seems  almost  impossible  to 
perform  any  more  duty  without  rest  and  sleep, 
some,  of  course,  are  sent  on  picket  duty,  while  the 
rest  are  permitted  to  sleep.  Oh,  how  my  heart 
has  ached  for  those  men ;  and  it  seemed  to  me 
that  the  persons  and  regiments  in  which  I  was 
most  interested  always  had  the  most  picket  duty 
to  perform. 

On  the  14th  of  March  General  McClellan  issued 
an  address  to  the  army  of  the  Potomac,  announcing 
the  reasons  why  they  had  been  so  long  unem 
ployed.  The  battle  of  Bull  Run  was  fought  in 
July,  1861.  It  was  now  March,  1862,  and  during 
this  interval  the  army  of  the  Potomac,  numbering 
some  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  men,  had 
been  inactive,  excepting  their  daily  drills  behind 


MARCHING     ORDERS     AGAIN.  65 

their  entrenchments.  The  flags  of  the  enemy 
were  in  sight.  Washington  was  in  a  state  of  siege, 
and  not  a  transport  could  ascend  the  river  without 
running  the*  gauntlet  of  the  rebel  batteries.  In 
his  address  General  McClellan  announced  the  rea 
sons  for  their  inactivity  as  follows: 

"  Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac :  For  a 
long  time  I  have  kept  you  inactive,  but  not  with 
out  a  purpose.  You  were  to  be  disciplined,  armed 
and  instructed.  The  formidable  artillery  you  now 
have  had  to  be  created.  Other  armies  were  to 
move  and  accomplish  certain  results.  I  have  held 
you  back  that  you  might  give  the  death-blow  to 
the  rebellion  that  has  distracted  our  once  happy 
country.  The  patience  you  have  shown,  and  your 
confidence  in  your  General,  are  worth  a  dozen 
victories.  These  preliminary  results  are  now  ac 
complished.  I  feel  that  the  patient  labors  of  many 
months  have  produced  their  fruit.  The  army  of 
the  Potomac  is  now  a  real  army,  magnificent  in 
material,  admirable  in  discipline  and  instruction, 
excellently  equipped  and  armed.  Your  command 
ers  are  all  that  I  could  wish.  The  moment  for 
action  has  arrived,  and  I  know  that  I  can  trust  in 
you  to  save  our  country.  The  period  of  inaction 
has  passed.  I  will  bring  you  now  face  to  face 
with  the  rebels,  and  only  pray  that  God  may  de 
fend  the  right." 

Marching  orders  were  issued  once  more  to  the 
army  of  the  Potomac.     The  sick  were  sent  off, 


66          EMBARKATION     OF     THE     ARMY. 

camps  broken  up,  and  all  stood  prepared  for  an 
other  encounter  with  the  enemy.  The  bitter  re 
membrance  of  the  defeat  at  Bull  Run  still  rankled 
in  the  minds  of  the  men,  and  now  they  were 
anxious  for  an  opportunity  to  retaliate  upon  the 
foe,  and  win  back  the  laurels  they  had  so  inglo- 
riously  lost  upon  that  disastrous  field.  Various 
speculations  were  indulged  in  with  regard  to  their 
destination.  One  prophesied  that  they  were  going 
to  Richmond  by  way  of  Fredericksburg,  another 
was  positive  that  they  were  to  go  by  the  way  of 
Manassas,  and  a  third  declared  that  it  was  down 
the  Shenandoah  valley  to  take  Richmond  on  the 
flank  and  rear ;  but,  to  the  utter  astonishment  of 
all,  they  were  ordered  to  Alexandria  to  embark 
for  Fortress  Monroe.  Regiment  after  regiment 
was  huddled  together  on  board  until  every  foot  of 
room  was  occupied,  and  there  remained  but  little 
prospect  of  comfort  for  either  officers  or  men. 

As  soon, as  each  transport  received  its  cargo  of 
men,  horses  and  provisions,  it  floated  out  into  the 
stream,  while  another  steamed  up  to  the  wharf  in 
its  place,  until  the  whole  fleet  lay  side  by  side, 
freighted  with  over  a  hundred  thousand  human 
lives,  and  awaiting  the  signal  to  weigh  anchor. 
The  troops  were  eager  for  a  campaign ;  they  had 
lain  inactive  so  long,  while  "victory"  thundered 
all  around  them,  that  they  were  becoming  impa 
tient  to  strike  another  blow  at  rebellion,  and  blot 
out  the  remembrance  of  the  past.  Roanoke,  Pea 


THE     MONITOR.  67 

Ridge,  Newbern,  Winchester  and  Donelson — were 
a  succession  of  victories  which  had  been  achieved, 
and  the  army  of  the  Potomac  had  not  participated 
in  them.  The  men  felt  this,  and  were  prepared 
for  anything  but  inactivity.  Everything  being  in 
readiness,  the  signal  was  given,  and  the  whole  fleet 
was  soon  moving  in  the  direction  of  Fortress  Mon 
roe,  with  the  stars  and  stripes  floating  from  every 
mast-head,  and  the  music  of  national  airs  awaken 
ing  the  slumbering  echoes  as  we  swiftly  glided 
over  the  quiet  waters  of  the  Potomac. 

The  first  real  object  of  interest  which  presented 
itself  was  the  "  Monitor"  lying  off  Fortress  Mon 
roe.  It  reminded  me  of  what  I  once  heard  &  man 
say  to  his  neighbor  about  his  wife;  said  he, 
"  Neighbor,  you  might  worship  your  wife  without 
breaking  either  of  the  ten  commandments. "  "  How 
is  that?"  asked  the  man ;  "Because  she  is  not  the 
likeness  of  anything  in  heaven  above,  or  in  the 
earth  beneath,  or  in  the  waters  under  the  earth." 
So  thought  I  of  the  Monitor. 

There  she  sat  upon  the  water  a  glorious  impreg 
nable  battery,  the  wonder  of  the  age,  the  terror 
of  rebels,  and  the  pride  of  the  North.  The  Moni 
tor  is  so  novel  in  structure  that  a  minute  descrip 
tion  will  be  necessary  to  convey  an  accurate  idea 
of  her  character.  "She  has  two  hulls.  The  lower 
one  is  of  iron,  five-eighths  of  an  inch  thick.  The 
bottom  is  flat,  and  six  feet  six  inches  in  depth — 
sharp  at  both  ends,  the  cut- water  retreating  at  an 


68  HER     CONSTRUCTION. 

angle  of  about  thirty  degrees.  The  sides,  instead 
of  having  the  ordinary  bulge,  incline  at  an  angle 
of  about  fifty-one  degrees.  This  hull  is  one  hun 
dred  and  twenty-four  feet  long,  and  thirty-four  feet 
broad  at  the  top.  Resting  on  this  is  the  upper 
hull,  flat-bottomed,  and  both  longer  and  wider 
than  the  lower  hull,  so  that  it  projects  over  in 
every  direction,  like  the  guards  of  a  steamboat.  It 
is  one  hundred  and  seventy-four  feet  long,  forty- 
one  feet  four  inches  wide,  and  five  feet  deep. 
These  sides  constitute  the  armor  of  the  vessel.  In 
the  first  place  is  an  inner  guard  of  iron,  half  an  inch 
thick.  To  this  is  fastened  a  wall  of  white  oak, 
placed  endways,  and  thirty  inches  thick,  to  which 
are  bolted  six  plates  of  iron,  each  an  inch  thick, 
thus  making  a  solid  wall  of  thirty-six  and  a  half 
inches  of  wood  and  iron.  This  hull  is  fastened 
upon  the  lower  hull,  so  that  the  latter  is  entirely 
submerged,  and  the  upper  one  sinks  down  three 
feet  into  the  water.  Thus  but  two  feet  of  hull  are 
exposed  to  a  shot.  The  under  hull  is  so  guarded 
by  the  projecting  upper  hull,  that  a  ball,  to  strike 
it,  would  have  to  pass  through  twenty-five  feet  of 
water.  The  upper  hull  is  also  pointed  at  both 
ends.  The  deck  comes  flush  with  the  top  of  the 
hull,  and  is  made  bomb-proof.  No  railing  or  bul 
wark  rises  above  the  deck.  The  projecting  ends 
serve  as  a  protection  to  the  propeller,  rudder  and 
anchor,  which  cannot  be  struck.  Neither  the  an 
chor  or  chain  is  ever  exposed.  The  anchor  is 


HE  E     ARMAMENT.  69 

peculiar,  being  very  short,  but  heavy.  It  is  hoisted 
into  a  place  fitted  for  it,  outside  of  the  lower  hull, 
but  within  the  impenetrable  shield  of  the  upper 
one.  On  the  deck  are  but  two  structures  rising 
above  the  surface,  the  pilot-house  and  turret.  The 
pilot-house  is  forward,  made  of  plates  of  iron,  the 
whole  about  ten  inches  in  thickness,  and  shot- 
proof.  Small  slits  and  holes  are  cut  through,  to 
enable  the  pilot  to  see  his  course.  The  turret, 
which  is  apparently  the  main  feature  of  the  bat 
tery,  is  a  round  cylinder,  twenty  feet  in  interior 
diameter,  and  nine  feet  high.  It  is  built  entirely 
of  iron  plates,  one  inch  in  thickness,  eight  of  them 
securely  bolted  together,  one  over  another.  Within 
this  is  a  lining  of  one-inch  iron,  acting  as  a  damper 
to  deaden  the  effects  of  a  concussion  when  struck 
by  a  ball — thus  there  is  a  shield  of  nine  inches  of 
iron.  The  turret  rests  on  a  bed-plate,  or  ring,  of 
composition,  which  is  fastened  to  the  deck.  To 
help  support  the  weight,  which  is  about  a  hundred 
tons,  a  vertical  shaft,  ten  inches  in  diameter,  is  at 
tached  and  fastened  to  the  bulk-head.  The  top  is 
made  shot-proof  by  huge  iron  beams,  and  perfo 
rated  to  allow  of  ventilation.  It  has  two  circular 
port-holes,  both  on  one  side  of  the  turret,  three 
feet  above  the  deck,  and  just  large  enough  for  the 
muzzle  of  the  gun  to  be  run  out.  The  turret  is 
made  to  revolve,  being  turned  by  a  special  engine. 
The  operator  within,  by  a  rod  connected  with  the 
engine,  is  enabled  to  turn  it  at  pleasure.  It  can 


70      THE  TURRET  AND  ENGINES. 

be  made  to  revolve  at  the  rate  of  sixty  revolutions 
a  minute,  and  can  be  regulated  to  stop  within  half 
a  degree  of  a  given  point.  When  the  guns  are 
drawn  in  to  load,  the  port-hole  is  stopped  by  a 
huge  iron  pendulum,  which  falls  to  its  place,  and 
makes  that  part  as  secure  as  any,  and  can  be 
quickly  hoisted  to  one  side.  The  armanent  con 
sists  of  two  eleven-inch  Dahlgren  guns.  Various 
improvements  in  the  gun-carriage  enable  the  gun 
ner  to  secure  almost  perfect  aim. 

u  The  engine  is  not  of  great  power,  as  the  vessel 
was  designed  as  a  battery,  and  not  for  swift  sail 
ing.  It  being  almost  entirely  under  water,  the 
ventilation  is  secured  by  blowers,  drawing  the  air 
in  forward,  and  discharging  it  aft.  *  A  separate 
engine  moves  the  blowers  and  fans  the  fires.  There 
is  no  chimney,  so  the  draft  must  be  entirely  artifi 
cial.  The  smoke  passes  out  of  gratings  in  the 
deck.  Many  suppose  the  Monitor  to  be  merely  an 
iron-clad  vessel,  with  a  turret;  but  there  are,  in 
fact,  between  thirty  and  forty  patentable  inven 
tions  upon  her,  and  the  turret  is  by  no  means  the 
most  important  one.  Yery  properly,  what  these 
inventions  are  is  not  proclaimed  to  the  public." 


CHAPTER  Y. 

ARRIVAL  AT  FORTRESS  MONROE THE  VILLAGE  OF  HAMPTON 

VISITING    THE    CONTRABANDS ARRIVAL     OF     FUGITIVES A 

REAL    "CAMP    MEETING" — FEEDING     THE     NEGROES — CAMP 

MISERIES MULES MISS    PERIWINKLE'S    MULES THE    COQUET 
TISH,    THE    MORAL,  THE    HISTRIONIC,  AND    THE    PATHETIC    MULE 

OUR     JACK LINES     OF    LOVE MY    BOX    AND    PRESENTS A 

THREE-STORY     CAKE A     SERENADE     AND     SURPRISE     PARTY 

.       GOOD    AND    BAD    CHAPLAINS THE     MORALS     OF    THE    ARMY 

SLANDERS    ABOUT    SOLDIERS. 

WE  arrived  at  Fortress  Monroe  in  a  drenching 
rain,  immediately  disembarked,  and  pro 
ceeded  at  once  to  Hampton — formerly  a  beautiful 
little  village  containing  about  five  hundred  houses, 
many  of  them  elegant  brick  buildings,  but  which 
now  lay  a  blackened  mass  of  ruins,  having  been 
burned  a  few  months  previous  by  order  of  rebel 
General  Magruder.  The  village  was  about  three 
miles  from  Fortress  Monroe,  and  situated  on  the 
west  side  of  a  creek,  or  arm  of  the  sea,  called 
Hampton  river,  the  Yorktown  road  passing  di 
rectly  through  its  center.  It  was  a  great  relief  to 
the  troops  to  disembark  from  the  filthy,  crowded 
transports,  notwithstanding  they  had  to  march 
through  the  mud  and  rain,  and  then  pitch  their 
tents  on  the  wet  ground.  Fires  were  soon  built, 
coffee  made,  and  nice  fresh  bread  served  out, 


72  VISIT     TO     CONTRABANDS. 

which  was  brought  to  us  by  the  commissary  de 
partment  at  the  fort. 

As  Mrs.  B.  and  I  had  a  little  respite  at  this 
particular  juncture,  we  set  about  visiting  the  con 
trabands.  They  occupied  a  long  row  of  board 
buildings  near  the  fort.  The  men  were  employed 
in  loading  and  unloading  Government  vessels,  and 
the  women  were  busily  engaged  in  cooking  and 
washing.  No  language  can  describe  the  joy  of 
these  men  and  women  at  being  liberated  from 
bondage.  As  the  Jews  of  old  were  looking  for 
the  promised  Messiah,  so  the  slaves  universally  re 
garded  the  advent  of  the  northern  army  as  the 
harbinger  of  their  deliverance. 

Mr.  A.  relates  the  following  anecdote,  illustra 
tive  of  this  fact,  which  took  place  at  the  battle  of 
Newbern :  "A  slaveholder,  breathless  with  terror, 
spurred  his  horse  to  his  utmost  speed  past  his  own 
house,  not  venturing  to  stop.  Just  then  a  shell, 
with  its  terrific,  unearthly  shriek,  rushed  through 
the  air  over  his  head.  A  poor  slave,  a  man  of  un 
feigned  piety  and  fervent  prayer,  in  uncontrollable 
emotions  of  joy,  ran  into  his  humble  cabin,  shout 
ing  :  '  Wife,  he  is  running,  he  is  running,  and  the 
wrath  of  God  is  after  him.  Glory  hallelujah  !  the 
appointed  time  has  come;  we  are  free,  we  are 
free!'" 

With  regard  to  my  own  visit  to  the  contraband 
quarters,  I  give  the  following  extract  from  my 
journal :  u  Visited  the  contrabands  to-day,  and  was 


ARRIVAL     OF     FUGITIVES.  73 

much  pleased  with  their  cheerful,  happy  appear 
ance.  They  are  exceedingly  ignorant,  yet  there 
is  one  subject  upon  which  they  can  converse  free 
ly  and  intelligibly,  and  that  is — Christ — the  way 
of  salvation.  Almost  all  with  whom  I  conversed 
to-day  were  praying  men  and  women.  Oh,  how 
I  should  like  to  teach  these  people !  They  seem 
so  anxious  for  instruction,  I  know  they  would 
learn  quickly.  Some  of  them  are  whiter  and 
prettier  than  most  of  our  northern  ladies.  There 
is  a  family  here,  all  of  whom  have  blue  eyes,  light 
hair,  fair  skin  and  rosy  cheeks ;  yet  they  are  con 
trabands,  and  have  been  slaves.  But  why  should 
blue  eyes  and  golden  hair  be  the  distinction  be 
tween  bond  and  free  ?  " 

One  bitter,  stormy  night,  about  eleven  o'clock, 
a  band  of  these  poor  fugitives,  numbering  over 
forty,  presented  themselves  at  the  picket  line,  for 
admittance  to  the  federal  camp,  imploring  protec 
tion.  The  officer  of  the  picket  guard  being  called, 
and  the  case  presented,  the  contrabands  were  per 
mitted  to  pass  through.  But  no  sooner  had  their 
poor  torn  and  bleeding  feet  touched  the  federal 
soil,  than  they  fell  upon  their  knees,  and  returned 
thanks  to  God  and  to  the  soldiers  for  their  deliver 
ance.  They  came  into  camp  about  one  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  shouting  "Glory!  Glory  to  God!" 
Notwithstanding  the  early  hour,  and  the  stormy 
night,  the  whole  camp  was  aroused;  every  one 
rushed  out  to  find  out  the  cause  of  the  excite- 


V4          A   EEAL    "CAMP    MEETING." 

ment.  There  they  were,  black  as  midnight,  all 
huddled  together  in  a  little  group — some  praying, 
some  singing,  and  others  shouting.  We  had  a 
real  u  camp  meeting"  time  for  a  while.  Soon  the 
exercises  changed,  and  they  began  to  relate  their 
experiences,  not  only  religious  experiences,  but  a 
brief  history  of  their  lives.  Some  were  husbands 
and  fathers.  Their  masters  had  sold  them  down 
south,  lest  they  should  escape.  In  their  terror 
they  had  escaped  by  night,  and  fled  to  the  National 
banner  for  refuge,  leaving  all  behind  that  was  dear 
to  them. 

In  conclusion,  one  old  man,  evidently  their 
leader,  stood  up  and  said:  UI  tell  you,  my  bred- 
dern,  dat  de  good  Lord  has  borne  wid  dis  yere 
slav'ry  long  time  wid  great  patience.  But  now  he 
can't  bore  it  no  longer,  no  how ;  and  he  has  said 
to  de  people  ob  de  North — go  and  tell  de  slave 
holders  to  let  de  people  go,  dat  dey  may  sarve  me." 
There  were  many  there  who  had  listened  to  the 
old  colored  man's  speech  and  believed,  as  I  did, 
that  there  was  more  truth  than  poetry  in  it.  Many 
hearts  were  moved  with  sympathy  towards  them, 
as  was  soon  proved  by  the  actions  of  the  soldiers. 

An  immense  fire  was  built,  around  which  these 
poor  darkies  eagerly  gathered,  as  they  were  both 
wet,  cold  and  hungry ;  then  a  large  camp  kettle 
of  coffee  was  made  and  set  before  them,  with 
plenty  of  bread  and  meat  to  satisfy  their  ravenous 
appetites — for  ravenous  they  were,  not  having 


CAMP    MISERIES,  'AND    MULES.  75 

tasted  food  for  more  than  two  days.  Then  blan 
kets  were .  provided,  and  they  soon  became  com 
fortable,  and  as  happy  as  human  beings  could  be 
under  such  circumstances.  Mrs.  B.  and  I  re 
turned  to  our  tents  feeling  very  much  like  in 
dorsing  the  sentiment  of  "Will  Jones'  resolve:'7 

Resolved,  although  my  brother  be  a  slave, 
And  poor  and  black,  he  is  my  brother  still; 

Can  I,  o'er  trampled  "institutions,"  save 

That  brother  from  the  chain  and  lash,  I  will. 

A  cold,  drizzling  rain  continued  to  descend  for 
several  days,  and  our  camp  became  a  fair  specimen 
of  "Virginia  mud."  I  began  to  feel  the  effects  of 
the  miasma  which  came  floating  on  every  breeze 
from  the  adjacent  swamps  and  marshes,  and  fever 
and  ague  became  my  daily  companions  for  a  time. 
As  I  sat  in  my  tent,  roasting  or  shivering  as  the 
case  might  be,  I  took  a  strange  pleasure  in  watch 
ing  the  long  trains  of  six  mule  teams  which  were 
constantly  passing  and  repassing  within  a  few  rods 
of  my  tent.  As  "Miss  Periwinkle"  remarks,  there 
are  several  classes  of  mules.  "  The  coquettish 
mule  has  small  feet,  a  nicely  trimmed  tail,  perked 
up  ears,  and  seems  much  given  to  little  tosses  of 
the  head,  affected  skips  and  prances,  and,  if  he 
wears  bells  or  streamers,  puts  on  as  many  airs  as 
any  belle.  The  moral  mule  is  a  stout,  hardwork 
ing  creature,  always  tugging  with  all  his  might, 
often  pulling  away  after  the  rest  have  stopped, 
laboring  under  the  conscientious  delusion  that  food 


76         MISS    PERIWINKLE'S    MULES. 

for  the  entire  army  depends  upon  his  individual 
exertions.     The  histrionic  mule  is  a  melo-dramatic 
sort  of  quadruped,  prone  to  startle  humanity  by 
erratic  leaps  and  wild  plunges,  much  shaking  of 
the  stubborn  head  and  lashing  of  his  vicious  heels ; 
now  and  then  falling  flat,  and  apparently  dying  a 
la  Forrest,  a  gasp,  a  groan,  a  shudder,  etc.,  till  the 
street  is  blocked  up,  the  drivers  all  swearing  like 
so  many  demons,  and  the  chief  actor's  circulation 
becomes  decidedly  quickened  by  every  variety  of 
kick,  cuff  and  jerk  imaginable.     When  the  last 
breath  seems  to  have  gone  with  the  last  kick,  and 
the  harness  has  been  taken  off,  then  a  sudden  res. 
urrection  takes  place.     He  springs  to  his  feet,  and 
proceeds  to  give  himself  two  or  three  comfortable 
shakes,  and  if  ever  mule  laughed  in  scornful  tri 
umph  it  is  he,  and  as  he  calmly  surveys  the  ex 
cited  crowd,  seems  to  say:    'A  hit!    a  decided 
hit ! '     For  once  the  most  stupid  of  all  animals  has 
outwitted  more  than  a  dozen  of  the  lords  of  crea 
tion.     The  pathetic  mule  is,  perhaps,  the  most  in 
teresting  of  all ;  for  although  he  always  seems  to 
be  the  smallest,  thinnest,  and  weakest  of  the  six, 
yet,  in  addition  to  his  equal  portion  of  the  heavy 
load,  he  carries  on  his  back  a  great  postillion,  with 
tremendous  boots,    long   tailed   coat,  and  heavy 
whip.     This  poor  creature  struggles  feebly  along, 
head  down,  coat  muddy  and  rough,  eye  spiritless 
and  sad,  and  his  whole  appearance  a  perfect  pic 
ture  of  meek  misery,  fit  to  touch  a  heart  of  stone. 


LINES     OP     LOVE. 

Then  there  is  another  class  of  mules  which  always 
have  a  jolly,  cheer-up  sort  of  look  about  them — - 
they  take  everything  good  naturedly,  from  cudgel 
ing  to  carressing,  and  march  along  with  a  roguish 
twinkle  in  their  eye  which  is  very  interesting." 

One  morning,  as  I  was  just  recovering  from  fe 
ver  and  ague,  Jack,  our  faithful  colored  boy,  made 
his  appearance  at  the  door  of  my  tent,  touching 
his  hat  in  the  most  approved  military  style,  and 
handed  me  a  letter  bearing  my  address,  saying,  as 
he  did  so,  "Bar's  a  box  at  de  'spress  office  for 
you.  May  I  run  and  fotch  it?'7  I  said,  U0h,  yes, 
Jack,  you  may  bring  it,  but  be  careful  and  keep 
the  cover  on,  there  may  be  chickens  in  it."  Jack 
knew  the  meaning  of  that  allusion  to  chickens,  and 
so  ran  off  singing : 

Massa  run,  ha,  ha ! 

Darkies  stay,  ho,  ho  I 
It  must  be  now  dat  de  kingdom 's  cumin 

In  de  year  ob  jubilo. 

In  the  meantime  I  opened  my  letter,  from 
which  I  make  the  following  extract:  "Having 

learned  your  address  through  Mrs.  L ,  whose 

son  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  we  send 
you  a  donation  in  token  of  our  respect  and  es 
teem,  and  of  our  gratitude  for  your  faithfulness  on 
the  field  and  in  the  hospital."  The  following  lines 
were  also  inclosed: 

In  the  ranks  of  the  sick  and  dying,  in  the  chamber  where  death-dews  fall, 
Where  the  sleeper  wakes  from  his  trances  to  leap  to  the  bugle-call, 


78  MY    BOX     AND     PRESENTS. 

Is  there  hope  for  the  wounded  soldier  ?  Ah,  no !  for  his  heart-blood  Row* 
And  the  flickering  flames  of  life  must  wane,  to  fail  at  the  evening's  close. 

Oh,  thou  who  goest,  like  a  sunbeam,  to  lighten  the  darkness  and  gloom, 
Make  way  for  the  path  of  glory  through  the  dim  and  shadowy  room ; 
Go  speak  to  him  words  of  comfort,  and  teach  him  the  way  to  die, 
With  his  eyes  upraised  from  the  starry  flag  to  the  blessed  cross  on  high. 

And  tell  him  brave  hearts  are  beating  with  pulses  as  noble  as  thine ; 
That  we  count  them  at  home  by  the  thousands — thou  sweetest  sister  of 

mine ; 
That  they  fail  not  and  flinch  not  from  duty  while  the  vials  of  wrath  are 

outpoured, 
And  tell  him  to  call  it  not  grievous,  but  joyous  to  fall  by  the  sword. 

When  the  hosts  of  the  foe  are  outnumbered,  and  the  day  of  the  Lord  is  at 

hand, 

Shall  we  halt  in  the  heat  of  the  battle,  and  fail  at  the  word  of  command? 
Oh,  no  1  through  the  trouble  and  anguish,  by  the  terrible  pathway  of 

blood, 
We  must  bear  up  the  flag  of  our  freedom,  on — on  through  the  perilous 

flood. 

And  if  one  should  be  brought  faint  and  bleeding,  though  wounded,  yet  not 

unto  death, 

Oh  plead  with  the  soft  airs  of  heaven  to  favor  his  languishing  breath  ; 
Be  faithful  to  heal  and  to  save  him,  assuaging  the  fever  and  pains, 
Till  the  pulse  in  his  strong  arm  be  strengthened  and  the  blood  courses  free 

in  his  veins. 

While  Mrs.  B.  and  I  were  speculating  with  re 
gard  to  the  contents  of  the  box,  Jack's  woolly 
head  reappeared  in  the  doorway,  and  the  subject 
of  our  curiosity  was  before  us.  uDar  it  be,  and 

mity  heavy,  too ;  guess  it  mus'  be  from ."  So 

saying,  young  hopeful  disappeared.  The  box  was 
soon  opened,  its  contents  examined  and  comment 
ed  upon.  First  came  a  beautiful  silk  and  rubber 
reversible  cloak,  which  could  be  folded  into  such 


A    THREE-STORY    CAKE.  79 

a  small  compass  that  it  could  be  put  into  an  ordi 
nary  sized  pocket,  and  a  pair  of  rubber  boots. 

Then  came  a  splendid  silver-mounted  revolver, 
belt  and  miniature  cartridge-box.  But  the  great 
est  piece  of  perfection  I  ever  saw  came  in  the 
shape  of  a  u  housewife ;"  it  was  lined  and  covered 
with  oil  silk,  and  my  name  printed  on  it  in  gilt 
letters,  above  which  was  an  eagle,  and  below  was 
the  following  inscription :  "A  thousand  shall  fall 
at  thy  side,  and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand ; 
but  it  shall  not  come  nigh  thee."  Then  came 
pocket-handkerchiefs,  gloves,  and  other  articles 
too  numerous  to  mention.  But  last,  not  least,  was 
found  in  the  bottom,  stowed  away  in  one  corner, 
two  bottles  of  the  best  currant  wine,  a  nice  jar  of 
jelly,  and  a  large  loaf  of  cake,  frosted  and  mot- 
toed  in  fine  style.  This  cake  was  certainly  a  great 
curiosity.  It  was  a  three-story  cake,  with  three 
doors  made  to  slide  back  by  gently  pulling  a 
bell-handle  which  was  made  of  rosettes  of  red, 
White  and  blue  ribbon.  To  the  first  bell-cord  was 
attached  a  splendid  gold  ring,  to  the  second  a  ten 
dollar  gold  piece,  and  to  the  third  and  last  a  small 
sized  hunting  cased  gold  watch  and  chain.  At  such 
revelations  I  began  to  feel  as  if  my  humble  tent 
had  become  an  enchanted  palace,  and  that  all  I 
should  have  to  do  in  future  would  be  to  rub  that 
mysterious  ring,  and  the  genii  would  appear,  ready 
to  supply  all  my  wants.  We  then  commenced  to 
divide  the  spoil,  Mrs.  B.  positively  asserting  that 


80  GOOD     AND     BAD     CHAPLAINS. 

she  had  no  right  to  any  part  of  the  donation,  and 
I  telling  her  that  in  all  probability  it  was  all  in 
tended  for  her,  and  through  one  of  those  "slight 
mistakes"  it  was  directed  to  me. 

The  news  of  this  wonderful  box  soon  spread 
through  camp,  and  the  result  was  that  we  had  a 
surprise  party  as  soon  as  evening  came,  Chaplain 
B.  taking  the  opportunity  of  making  some  very 
appropriate  remarks  on  the  occasion.  Then  came 
the  band  to  serenade  us,  and  the  consequence  was 
that  our  cake  and  wine  disappeared  with  our  nu 
merous  friends,  for  we  found  that  all  were  willing 
to  obey  the  scriptural  injunction,  "Take  a  little 
wine,"  etc.  Chaplain  B.  is  a  very  worthy,  zealous, 
faithful  minister,  and  I  have  spoken  very  highly 
of  him,  but  perhaps  in  doing  so  I  have  given  the 
impression  that  all  chaplains  are  good  and  faithful. 
I  am  very  sorry  to  state  that  it  is  not  so.  There 
are  some  who  have  no  fitness  for  their  work,  and 
some  a  disgrace  to  their  profession.  I  think  I  am 
safe  in  saying  that  one  bad  chaplain  will  do  more 
harm  in  a  regiment  than  a  hundred  good  men  can 
counteract.  If  there  is  any  place  on  earth  where 
faithful  ministers  are  needed  more  than  another,  it 
is  in  the  army— it  is  in  the  hospital.  But  may 
God  have  mercy  upon  those  who  go  there,  whose 
object  is  dollars  and  cents — who  neglect  their 
duty,  and  fill  the  places  which  should  be  occupied 
by  Christ-like  heralds  of  the  cross  who  love  the 
souls  of  their  fellow  men.  I  think  the  words  of 


THE  MORALS  OF  THE  ARMY.      81 

the  Saviour  are  particularly  applicable  to  some  of 
the  chaplains  of  the  army  when  He  says:  uWoe 
unto  you  hypocrites !  for  ye  shut  up  the  kingdom 
of  heaven  against  men,"  etc.  I  have  conversed 
with  many  in  the  army  upon  the  subject  of  reli 
gion,  who  told  me  that  the  conduct  of  certain 
chaplains  had  more  influence  in  keeping  them  away 
from  the  Saviour  than  all  the  combined  forces  of 
the  evil  one.  Such  chaplains  are  there  through 
political  influence,  regardless  of  qualifications. 
Some  persons  have  tried  very  hard  to  get  up 
the  general  belief  that  the  army  is  terribly  demor 
alized  in  its  best  estate,  and  all  who  go  there 
must  inevitably  plunge  into  vice ;  but  a  greater 
slander  was  never  propagated.  There  is,  undoubt 
edly,  vicejn  the  army;  but  where  is  there  a  city 
or  community  throughout  the  North  where  vice  is 
not  to  be  found  ?  notwithstanding  the  tide  of  mo 
ral  and  religious  influence  which  is  daily  brought 
to  bear  against  it.  Although  the  outer  man  ap 
pears  rough,  and  much  drunkenness  and  other 
evils  exist  in  the  army,  yet  there  is  much  that  is 
pure,  lovely,  and  of  good  report  in  the  character 
of  both  officers  and  men.  "I  can  speak  of  that  I 
do  know,  and  testify  of  that  which  I  have  seen," 
and  I  am  free  to  say  that  I  think  the  morals  of 
the  majority  of  the  men  are  quite  as  good,  if  not 
better  than  you  will  find  among  the  same  number 
at  home,  made  up  of  all  classes  as  we  find  them  in 
the  army. 


82  MARCH    TO    YORKTOWN. 

It  is  true  many  have  backslidden  since  they  left 
home ;  but  is  equally  true  that  very  many  have 
been  reformed,  and  are  now  better  men  than  when 
they  enlisted.  Every  day's  history  proves  that 
there  are  thousands  of  noble  hearted,  pure  minded 
Christians  in  our  army,  and  none  but  traitors  and 
infidels,  the  enemies  of  God  and  man,  will  deny 
this  fact. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

THE      MARCH      TO      YORKTOWN SCARCITY      OF     SUPPLIES CAMP 

COOKERY DIFFERENT    CHARACTERS     IN    THE    ARMY ARRIVAL 

OF    TRAINS CHANGE    OF    CAMP TRYING    TO   SHELL    US    OUT 

THE    OLD    SAW-MILL A    CONSTANT  TARGET ASSAULTS  ON  OUR 

OUTPOSTS A     REBEL     APPEAL YORKTOWN      AND      VICINITY 

THE  SITUATION BALLOON  RECONNOISSANCES PROF.  LOWE  ON 

HIGII REBEL    VIXENS A    CURIOUS    VISIT A    STRANGE     HOST 
ESS SHE    TRIES    TO    KILL    ME 1    WOUND     HER     AND    CAPTURE 

A    PRISONER A    CONVERSION THE    SECESII    WOMAN   BECOMES 

A    FEDERAL    NURSE. 

ON  TO  RICHMOND  once  more  resounded 
through  the  camp,  and  the  army  was  again  in 
motion.  The  Yorktown  road  is  one  long  to  be 
remembered,  especially  by  those  who  that  clay 
had  to  toil  through  its  mud  and  mire,  or,  by 
making  a  mis-step,  fall  into  one  of  the  yawning 
chasms  from  which  some  unfortunate  mule  had 
been  drawn.  The  rain  had  continued  almost  all 
the  time  we  were  encamped  at  Hampton,  usatu- 


SCARCITY    OF     SUPPLIES. 

rating  the  clayey  soil,  which  soon  became  a  vast 
bed  of  mortar  under  the  artillery  trains."  The 
distance  from  Hampton  to  Yorktown  is  about 
twenty-three  miles,  and  it  required  all  the  deter 
mination  and  energy  of  veterans  to  march  half 
that  distance  in  a  day.  With  two  clays'  rations  in 
their  haversacks,  the  men  marched  until  they  ar 
rived  in  front  of  Yorktown,  where  they  bivouacked 
on  the  ground,  over  which  the  water  was  running 
like  a  flood.  We  remained  three  days  in  that  con 
dition,  and  it  was  the  first  time  I  ever  saw  any 
thing  like  scarcity  of  food  in  the  army. 

It  was  scarce  indeed,  for  we  were  only  supplied 
with  two  days1  rations  on  starting  from  Hampton. 
The  fifth  day  had  arrived,  but  no  provisions  had 
yet  appeared,  and  it  seemed  morally  impossible  to 
get  a  supply  train  over  the  road.  Mile  after  mile 
of  corduroy  bridge  had  to  be  made  before  a  team 
dare  venture  to  approach.  Our  horses,  too,  were 
as  badly  off  for  forage  as  the  men  were  for  provis-^ 
ions.  On  the  fifth  day,  with  several  others,  I  re 
ceived  permission  to  go  out  and  buy  what  we 
could  at  the  houses  anywhere  within  three  miles 
of  our  encampment. 

After  procuring  a  quantity  of  biscuit,  pies,  and 
corn  bread,  we  returned  to  camp,  and  were  quite 
surprised  to  find  the  boys  engaged  in  cutting  up 
and  cooking  fresh  steak.  We  thought,  of  course, 
our  provisions  had  arrived,  but  found  that  it  was 
only  a  little  dash  they  had  just  made  upon  the 


84  CAMP     COOKERY. 

u  chivalry's "  cattle,  appropriating  them  to  their 
own  use  with  a  sort  of  earnestness  which  seemed 
to  say,  I  firmly  believe  in  the  old  proverb,  Aide 
toi,  et  le  del  £  aider  a. 

Oh,  what  a  place  the  army  is  for  the  study  of 
human  nature!  As  I  looked  around  upon  that 
mass  of  busy  men,  I  thought  I  could  discover  al 
most  every  trait  in  the  human  character  depicted 
upon  their  countenances.  There  was  the  selfish 
man,  only  intent  upon  serving  himself,  and  fearing 
there  would  not  enough  come  to  his  share  to 
satisfy  his  wants;  then  there  was  old  churlish 
Nabal  away  by  himself  building  a  fire  for  his  own 
especial  benefit,  and  which  uno  man  dare  ap 
proach  unto,"  no,  not  within  baking,  broiling,  or 
roasting  distance,  not  even  to  get  a  coal  to  kindle 
one  for  himself.  But  that  class  of  character,  thank 
heaven,  was  a  very  small  minority.  There,  too, 
was  the  cheerful,  happy  man,  who  had  been  seve 
ral  hours  engaged  in  cutting  up  and  serving  out 
to  others,  and  had  no  lot  or  part  in  the  broiled 
steaks  which  were  smoking  around  him ;  yet  he 
looked  as  good  natured  as  if  he  had  dined  on 
roast  beef  and  plum  pudding.  Then  there  was 
another  phase  of  character — one  who  always  made 
it  the  first  duty,  under  all  circumstances,  to  look 
after  those  who  were  not  able  to  look  after  them 
selves. 

While  the  little  trials  of  camp  life  have  a  ten 
dency  to  harden  and  sour  the  dispositions  of  some, 


CHANGE     OF     CAMP.  85 

they  seem  to  bring  to  light  and  develop  the  cheer 
ful,  happy,  unselfish  spirit  of  others.  One  has 
truthfully  said  that  "there  is  no  other  quality  so 
diffusive  of  joy,  both  to  him  who  possesses  it  and 
to  those  with  whom  he  has  friendly  intercourse,  as 
cheerfulness.  It  is  the  phase  of  a  soul  sitting  in 
its  own  sunshine.  There  are  luminous  planets 
which  are  viewed  by  the  aid  of  their  own  light, 
others  there  are  which  are  seen  through  bor 
rowed  light.  So  it  is  with  individuals.  There 
seem  to  be  some  who  have  scarcely  any  light  of 
their  own,  and  who  shine  by  the  reflection  of  the 
light  of  others ;  while  others  there  are  who  pos 
sess  an  intrinsic  and  inexhaustible  source  of  sun 
shine,  which  renders  them  not  only  self-illumina 
ting,  but  capable  of  irradiating  those  around  them. 
Many  are  cheerful  when  a  sparkling  rill  of  plea 
sure  is.  gurgling  in  their  hearts,  or  when  prosperity 
encircles  them,  or  looms  up  gorgeously  in  their 
prospective  vision.  But  few  are  cheerful  when 
adversity  casts  its  gloomy  shadows  around  them; 
when  sorrow  and  disappointment  dry  up  their 
fountains  of  pleasure  and  wither  their  hopes.  In 
such  crises  cheerfulness  is  an  independent  virtue, 
and  in  others  an  accidental  mood." 

The  despondency  of  the  few  was  soon  removed, 
and  the  patience  and  cheerfulness  of  the  many  re 
warded  by  the  arrival  of  the  provision  and  bag 
gage  trains.  We  then  exchanged  our  camp  for 
one  in  a  more  pleasant  locality,  where  there  was 


86  THE     OLD     SAW-MILL. 

more  wood  and  not  quite  so  much  water,  which 
added  much  to  the  comfort  of  the  troops.  The 
enemy  soon  found  out  our  position,  and  did  not 
fail  to  inform  us  of  the  fact  by  frequently  saluting 
us  with  an  immense  shell,  or  thirty-two  pound 
cannon  ball,  which  would  burst  over  our  heads  or 
fall  within  a  few  rods — often  within  a  few  feet — of 
our  tents.  We  remained  in  that  camp  just  one 
month,  and,  notwithstanding  the  enemy  shelled  us 
night  and  day,  I  never  saw  a  man  or  beast  injured 
by  shot  or  shell  in  camp  while  we  remained  there. 

I  presume  many  of  my  readers  will  remember 
seeing  or  hearing  of  the  old  saw-mill  which  stood 
near  a  peach  orchard,  and  which  the  soldiers  per 
sisted  in  running,  to  the  great  annoyance  of  the 
rebels.  That  old  saw-mill  deserves  to  be  immor 
talized  in  song  as  well  as  in  history ;  and  if  it 
stood  in  any  other  than  a  Christian  land,  it  would 
undoubtedly  become  an  object  of  idolatry.  There 
it  stood,  in  perfect  range  of  the  enemy's  batteries, 
a  target  at  which  they  never  seemed  tired  of  firing, 
while  our  brave  soldiers  risked  their  lives  in  saw 
ing  lumber  for  the  purpose  of  laying  board  floors 
in  the  hospital  tents,  to  secure  some  degree  of 
comfort,  for  their  poor  sick  comrades. 

Time  after  time  the  mill  was  set  on  fire  by  the 
explosion  of  shells  as  they  passed  through  it,  but 
up  would  go  some  brave  young  hero,  and  stand  in 
the  very  jaws  of  death  while  his  companions  would 
hand  him  bucket  after  bucket  of  water  to  quench 


A     CONSTANT     TARGET.  87 

the  flames.  As  soon  as  the  fire  was  extinguished 
the  men  resumed  their  labor,  and  the  old  mill 
steamed  away  with  all  its  might,  as  if  proud  of  the 
"stars  and  stripes"  which  waved  from  its  summit, 
and  of  being  .permitted  to  show  its  patriotism  and 
zeal  for  the  glorious  cause  of  freedom  by  working 
for  good  old  "Uncle  Sam"  and  his  noble  sons. 
Then  it  would  give  vent  to  its  pent  up  wrath  in 
hisses  and  shrieks,  bidding  proud  defiance  to  Jeff. 
Davis  and  his  minions,  who  were  trying  in  vain  to 
stop  its  humane  and  patriotic  efforts.  For  more 
than  three  weeks  those  brave  men  kept  the  steam 
up  in  that  mill,  until  their  object  was  accom 
plished,  having  to  stop  almost  every  half  hour  to 
repair  the  ravages  of  shot  and  shell.  Notwith 
standing  the  constant  fire  of  the  rebel  batteries, 
the  dilapidated  appearance  of  the  mill  from  its 
effects,  and  the  danger  of  the  situation,  yet  not  a 
man  was  killed  in  or  about  it,  and  not  one  wound 
ed,  to  my  knowledge. 

I  remember  one  day  of  passing  the  mill  in  a 
great  hurry — and  it  was  well  that  I  was  in  a  hurry, 
for  I  had  scarcely  rode  by  it  when  I  heard  a  ter 
rific  crash  close  at  hand,  which  made  my  horse 
leap  from  the  ground  with  terror.  Upon  turning 
round  I  saw  that  a  part  of  the  smoke  stack  had 
been  carried  away,  and  the  mill  was  on  fye.  I 
rode  up  to  the  door  and  inquired  if  any  one  was 
killed  or  injured ;  no,  not  a  man  was  hurt,  and  the 
fire  was  soon  subdued  by  the  vigorous  efforts  of 


88  A     REBEL     APPEAL. 

those  sturdy  soldiers,  who  looked  as  jolly  over  the 
disaster  as  if  it  had  really  been  a  good  joke. 

The  rebels  were  beginning  to  make  some  des 
perate  assaults  upon  our  outposts;  they  were 
driving  in  the  advance  pickets  on  our  left  wing, 
and  making  similar  demonstrations  along  different 
parts  of  the  line.  They  were  evidently  concen 
trating  a  large  force  behind  their  fortifications, 
and  were  determined  to  make  a  desperate  resist 
ance.  Deserters  came  in  bringing  Richmond  pa 
pers  crowded  with  appeals  to  the  Southern  "  chiv 
alry,"  of  which  the  following  is  a  specimen: 

"  The  next  few  days  may  decide  the  fate  of 
Richmond.  It  is  either  to  remain  the  Capital  of 
the  Confederacy,  or  to  be  turned  over  to  the  Fed 
eral  Government  as  a  Yankee  conquest.  The 
Capital  is  either  to  be  secured  or  lost — it  may  be 
feared  not  temporarily,  and  with  it  Virginia. 
Then,  if  there  is  blood  to  be  shed,  let  it  be  shed 
here ;  no  soil  of  the  Confederacy  could  drink  it 
up  more  acceptably,  and  none  would  hold  it  more 
gratefully.  Wife,  family,  and  friends  are  nothing. 
Leave  them  all  for  one  glorious  hour  to  be  devoted 
to  the  Republic.  Life,  death,  and  wounds  are 
nothing  if  we  only  be  saved  from  the  fate  of  a 
captured  and  humiliated  Confederacy.  Let  the 
Government  act;  let  the  people  act.  There  is 
time  yet.  If  fate  comes  to  its  worst,  let  the  ruins 
of  Richmond  be  its  most  lasting  monument." 

General  McClellan's  despatch  to  the  War  De- 


SITUATION  -AT    YORKTOWN.  89 

partment  will  best  describe  the  state  of  affairs  at 
this  time  in  Yorktown  and  vicinity ;  he  says : 

u  The  whole  line  of  the  Warwick,  which  really 
heads  within  a  mile  of  Yorktown,  is  strongly  de 
fended  by  detached  redoubts  and  other  fortifica 
tions,  armed  with  heavy  and  light  guns.  The 
approaches,  except  at  Yorktown,  are  covered  by 
the  Warwick,  over  which  there  is  but  one,  or  at 
most,  two  passages,  both  of  which  are  covered  by 
strong  batteries.  All  the  prisoners  state  that 
General  J.  E.  Johnson  arrived  at  Yorktown  yes 
terday,  with  strong  reinforcements.  It  seems  clear 
that  I  shall  have  the  whole  force  of  the  enemy  on 
my  hands — probably  not  less  than  one  hundred 
thousand  men,  and  possibly  more. 

"  Under  the  circumstances  which  have  been  de 
veloped  since  we  arrived  here,  I  feel  fully  im 
pressed  with  the  conviction  that  here  is  to  be 
fought  the  great  battle  that  is  to  decide  the  exist 
ing  contest.  I  shall  of  course  commence  the 
attack  as  soon  as  I  can  get  up  my  siege  train,  and 
shall  do  all  in  my  power  to  carry  the  enemy's 
works ;  but  to  do  this,  with  a  reasonable  degree 
of  certainty,  requires,  in  my  judgment,  that  I 
should,  if  possible,  have  at  least  the  whole  of  the 
first  corps  to  land  upon  the  Severn  river  and  at 
tack  Gloucester  in  the  rear.  My  present  strength 
will  not  admit  of  a  detachment  sufficient  for  this 
purpose  without  materially  impairing  the  efficiency 
of  this  column." 


90  REBEL    VIXENS. 

While  these  preparations  were  going  forward 
on  both  sides,  Professor  Lowe  was  making  balloon 
reconnoissances,  and  transmitting  the  result  of  his 
observations  to  General  McClellan  by  telegraph 
from  his  castle  in  the  air,  which  seemed  suspended 
from  the  clouds,  reminding  one  of  the  fabled  gods 
of  old  looking  down  from  their  ethereal  abodes 
upon  the  conflicts  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  mun 
dane  sphere.  One  of  the  officers  one  day  play 
fully  remarked:  "Professor,  I  am  always  sorry 
when  I  see  you  descend  with  your  balloon." 
"Why  are  you  sorry,  Colonel?  Would  you  wish 
to  see  me  suspended  between  heaven  and  earth  all 
the  time?"  "Oh,  no,  not  that;  but  when  I  see 
you  coming  down  I  am  afraid  you  will  never  get 
so  near  heaven  again." 

I  was  often  sent  out  to  procure  supplies  for  the 
hospitals,  butter,  eggs,  milk,  chickens,  etc.,  and  in 
my  rambles  I  used  to  meet  with  many  interesting 
adventures.  In  some  instances  I  met  with  narrow 
escapes  with  my  life,  which  were  not  quite  so  in 
teresting  ;  and  the  timely  appearance  of  my  re 
volver  often  rescued  me  from  the  hands  of  the 
female  rebels  of  the  Peninsula.  Persons  dwelling 
in  regions  which  slavery  has  not  debased  can 
hardly  imagine  the  malice  and  ferocity  manifested 
by  the  rebel  vixens  of  the  slave  states.  Upon 
this  point  the  testimony  from  all  parts  of  the 
South  is  invariable.  The  Louisville  Journal  says : 
"  Thousands  have  read  with  astonishment  the  ac- 


A    CURIOUS    VISIT.  91 

count  which  historians  give  of  the  conduct  of 
women  in  Paris  during  the  Reign  of  Terror.  The 
women  are  said  to  have  been  more  fierce  and 
bloodthirsty  than  even  the  fiercest  and  most  blood 
thirsty  of  the  men.  Many  of  our  people  have  sup 
posed  that  the  accounts  given  of  those  things  must 
surely  be  fictions  or  exaggerations.  They  have 
felt  themselves  unable  to  conceive  that  woman's 
nature  could  become  a  thing  so  utterly  revolting. 
But  if  they  will  look  and 'listen  in  this  region,  at 
the  present  time,  they  will  find  that  they  have  no 
further  reason  for  incredulity  or  scepticism.  The 
bitter  and  ferocious  spirit  of  thousands  of  rebel 
women  in  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and  other  States, 
is  scarcely,  if  at  all,  surpassed  by  the  female  mon 
sters  that  shrieked  and  howled  for  victims  in  the 
French  Revolution.'7 

I  will  here  relate  a  little  incident  illustrative  of 
the  peculiarity  of  my  adventures  while  on  this  ca 
tering  business :  One  morning  I  started,  all  alone, 
for  a  five  mile  ride  to  an  isolated  farm-house  about 
three  miles  back  /rom  the  Hampton  road,  and 
which  report  said  was  well  supplied  with  all  the, 
articles  of  which  I  was  in  search.  I  cantered  along 
briskly  until  I  came  to  a  gate  which  opened  into 
a  lane  leading  directly  to  the  house.  It  was  a 
large  old  fashioned  two-story  house,  with  immense 
chimneys  built  outside,  Virginia  style.  The  farm, 
appeared  to  be  in  good  condition,  fences  all  up, 
a  rare  thing  on  the  Peninsula,  and  corn-fields 


92  A    STRANGE     HOSTESS. 

flourishing  as  if  there  were  no  such,  thing  as  war 
in  the  land. 

I  rode  up  to  the  house  and  dismounted,  hitched 
mj  horse  to  a  post  at  the  door,  and  proceeded 
to  ring  the  bell.  A  tall,  stately  lady  made  her  ap 
pearance,  and  invited  me  in  with  much  apparent 
courtesy.  She  was  dressed  in  deep  mourning, 
which  was  very  becoming  to  her  pale,  sad  face. 
She  seemed  to  be  about  thirty  years  of  age,  very 
prepossessing  in  appearance,  and  evidently  be 
longed  to  one  of  the  "F.  F.  Vs."  As  soon  as  I 
was  seated  she  inquired:  "To  what  fortunate  cir 
cumstance  am  I  to  attribute  the  pleasure  of  this 
unexpected  call  ?  "  I  told  her  in  a  few  words  the 
nature  of  my  business.  The  intelligence  seemed 
to  cast  a  deep  shadow  over  her  pale  features, 
which  all  her  efforts  could  not  control.  She 
seemed  nervous  and  excited,  and  something  in 
her  appearance  aroused  my  suspicion,  notwith 
standing  her  blandness  of  manner  and  lady-like 
deportment. 

She  invited  me  into  another  room,  while  she 
prepared  the  articles  which  she  proposed  to  let 
me  have,  but  I  declined,  giving  as  an  excuse  that 
I  preferred  to  sit  where  I  could  see  whether 
my  horse  remained  quiet.  I  watched  all  her 
movements  narrowly,  not  daring  to  turn  my  eyes 
Qside  for  a  single  moment.  She  walked  round  in 
her  stately  way  for  some  time,  without  accom 
plishing  much  in  the  way  of  facilitating  my  depar 


SHE    TRIES    TO    1C  ILL    ME.  93 

ture,  and  she  was  evidently  trying  to  detain  mo 
for  some  purpose  or  other.  Could  it  be  that  she 
was  meditating  the  best  mode  of  attack,  or  was 
she  expecting  some  one  to  come,  and  trying 
to  detain  me  until  their  arrival  ?  Thoughts  liko 
these  passed  through  my  mind  in  quick  succession. 

At  last  I  rose  up  abruptly,  and  asked  her  if  the 
things  were  ready.  She  answered  me  with  an  as 
sumed  smile  of  surprise,  and  said :  "  Oh,  I  did  not 
know  that  you  were  in  a  hurry :  I  was  waiting 
for  the  boys  to  come  and  catch  some  chickens  for 
you."  "And  pray,  madam,  where  are  the  boys  ?  " 
I  asked  ;  u  Oh,  not  far  from  here,"  was  her  reply. 
"Well,  I  have  decided  not  to  wait;  you  will 
please  not  detain  me  longer,"  said  I,  as  I  moved 
toward  the  door.  She  began  to  pack  some  butter 
and  eggs  both  together  in  a  small  basket  which  I 
had  brought  with  me,  while  another  stood  beside 
her  without  anything  in  it.  I  looked  at  her ;  she 
was  trembling  violently,  and  was  as  pale  as  death, 
In  a  moment  more  she  handed  me  the  basket,  anct 
I  held  out  a  greenback  for  her  acceptance ;  "  Oh, 
it  was  no  consequence  about  the  pay ; "  she  did 
not  wish  anything  for  it.  So  I  thanked  her  and 
went  out. 

In  a  few  moments  she  came  to  the  door,  but  did 
not  offer  to  assist  me,  or  to  hold  the  basket,  or 
anything,  but  stood  looking  at  me  most  malicious 
ly,  I  thought.  I  placed  the  basket  on  the  top  of 
the  post  to  which  my  horse  had  been  hitched,  took 


94  I     CAPTURE     A    PRISONER. 

my  seat  in  the  saddle,  and  then  rode  up  and  took 
my  basket.  Turning  to  her  I  bade  her  good 
morning,  and  thanking  her  again  for  her  kindness, 
I  turned  to  ride  away. 

I  had  scarcely  gone  a  rod  when  she  discharged 
a  pistol  at  me ;  by  some  intuitive  movement  I 
threAV  myself  forward  on  my  horse's  neck  and  the 
ball  passed  over  my  head.  I  turned  my  horse  in 
a  twinkling,  and  grasped  my  revolver.  She  was 
in  the  act  of  firing  the  second  time,  but  was  so 
excited  that  the  bullet  went  wide  of  its  mark.  I 
held  my  seven-shooter  in  my  hand,  considering 
where  to  aim.  I  did  not  wish  to  kill  the  wretch, 
but  did  intend  to  wound  her.  When  she  saw  that 
two  could  play  at  this  game,  she  dropped  her 
pistol  and  threw  up  her  hands  imploringly.  I 
took  deliberate  aim  at  one  of  her  hands,  and  sent 
the  ball  through  the  palm  of  her  left  hand.  She 
fell  to  the  ground  in  an  instant  with  a  loud  shriek. 
I  dismounted,  and  took  the  pistol  which  lay  be^ 
side  her,  and  placing  it  in  my  belt,  proceeded  to 
take  care  of  her  ladyship  after  the  following  man 
ner  :  I  unfastened  the  end  of  my  halter-strap  and 
tied  it  painfully  tight  around  her  right  wrist,  and 
remounting  my  horse,  I  started,  and  brought  the 
lady  to  consciousness  by  dragging  her  by  the 
wrist  two  or  three  rods  along  the  ground.  I 
stopped,  and  she  rose  to  her  feet,  and  with  wild 
entreaties  she  begged  me  to  release  her,  but,  in 
stead  of  doing  so,  I  presented  a  pistol,  and  told 


MY    WOUNDED     PRISONER.  95 

her  that  if  she  uttered  another  word  or  scream 
she  was  a  dead  woman.  In  that  way  I  succeeded 
in  keeping  her  from  alarming  any  one  who  might 
be  within  calling  distance,  and  so  made  my  way 
toward  McClellan's  headquarters. 

After  we  had  gone  in  that  way  about  a  mile 
and  a  half,  I  told  her  that  she  might  ride  if  she 
wished  to  do  so,  for  I  saw  she  was  becoming 
weak  from  loss  of  blood.  She  was  glad  to  accept 
the  offer,  and  I  bound  up  her  hand  with  my  hand 
kerchief,  gave  her  my  scarf  to  throw  over  her 
head,  and  assisted  her  to  the  saddle.  I  marched 
along  beside  her,  holding  tight  to  the  bridle  rein 
all  the  while.  When  we  were  about  a  mile  from 
McClellan's  headquarters  she  fainted,  and  I  caught 
her  as  she  was  falling  from  the  horse.  I  laid  her 
by  the  roadside  while  I  went  for  some  water, 
which  I  brought  in  my  hat,  and  after  bathing  her 
face  for  some  time  she  recovered. 

For  the  first  time  since  we  started  I  entered 
into  conversation  with  her,  and  found  that  within 
the  last  three  weeks  she  had  lost  her  father,  hus 
band,  and  two  brothers  in  the  rebel  army.  They 
had  all  belonged  to  a  company  of  sharpshooters, 
and  were  the  first  to  fall.  She  had  been  almost 
insane  since  the  intelligence  reached  her.  She 
said  I  was  the  first  Yankee  that  she  had  seen  since 
the  death  of  her  relatives,  the  evil  one  seemed  to 
urge  her  on  to  the  step  she  had  taken,  and  if  I 
would  not  deliver  her  up  to  the  military  powers, 


96  A     CONVERSION. 

she  would  go  with  me  and  take  care  of  the 
wounded.  She  even  proposed  to  take  the  oath 
of  allegiance,  and  seemed  deeply  penitent.  "If 
thy  brother  (or  sister)  sin  against  thee,  and  re 
pent,  forgive  him,"  are  the  words  of  the  Saviour. 
I  tried  to  follow  their  sacred  teachings  there  and 
then,  and  told  her  that  I  forgave  her  fully  if  she 
was  only  truly  penitent.  Her  answer  was  sobs 
and  tears. 

Soon  after  this  conversation  we  started  for  camp, 
she  weak  and  humbled,  and  I  strong  and  rejoicing. 
None  ever  knew  from  that  day  to  this  the  secret  of 
that  secesh  woman  becoming  a  nurse.  Instead  of 
being  taken  to  General  McClellan's  headquarters, 
she  went  direct  to  the  hospital,  where  Dr.  P. 
dressed  her  hand,  which  was  causing  her  extreme 
pain.  The  good  old  surgeon  never  could  solve 
the  mystery  connected  with  her  hand,  for  we  both 
refused  to  answer  any  questions  relating  to  the 
wound,  except  that  she  was  shot  by  a  "Yankee," 
which  placed  the  surgeon  under  obligations  to 
take  care  of  the  patient  until  she  recovered — that 
is  to  say  as  long  as  it  was  convenient  for  him  to 
do  so. 

The  next  day  she  returned  to  her  house  in  an 
ambulance,  accompanied  by  a  hospital  steward, 
and  brought  away  everything  which  could  be 
made  use  of  in  the  hospitals,  and  so  took  up  her 
abode  with  us.  Her  name  was  Alice  M.,  but  we 
called  her  Nellie  J.  She  soon  proved  the  genuine- 


A    LOST     FRIEND.  97 

ness  of  her  conversion  to  the  Federal  faith  by  her 
zeal  for  the  cause  which  she  had  so  recently  es 
poused.  As  soon  as  she  was  well  enough  to  act 
in  the  capacity  of  nurse  she  commenced  in  good 
earnest,  and  became  one  of  the  most  faithful  and 
efficient  nurses  in  the  army  of  the  Potomac.  But 
that  was  the  first  and  the  only  instance  of  a  female 
rebel  changing  her  sentiments,  or  abating  one  iota 
in  her  cruelty  or  hatred  toward  the  "Yankees ;"  and 
also  the  only  real  lady  in  personal  appearance, 
education  and  refinement,  that  I  ever  met  among 
the  females  of  the  Peninsula. 


CHAPTEPx,  VII. 


A    LOST    FRIEND DEATH   OF    LIEUTENANT    JAMES    V. HI3  BURIAL 

THE  GRAVE  BY  NIGHT MY  VOW A  SOLDIER-CHAPLAIN— 
RECOGNITIONS  IN  HEAVEN DOUBTS  AND  DISSATISFACTION- 
CAPTURE  OF  A  SPY MY  EXAMINATIONS  AT  HEADQUARTERS 

MY  DISGUISE  AS  A  SPY 1   AM   METAMORPHOSED   INTO   A 

CONTRABAND HIRED    AS    A    COOK BISCUIT    MAKING THE 

DOCTOR'S  TEA. 

NOT  long  after  these  events,  returning  one  day 
from  an  excursion,  I  found  the  camp  almost 
deserted,  and  an  unusual  silence  pervading  all 
around.  Upon  looking  to  the  right  and  left  to 
discover  the  cause  of  so  much  quietness,  I  saw  a 
procession  of  soldiers  slowly  winding  their  way 
from  a  peach  orchard,  where  they  had  just  depos* 


98  DEATH     OF     LIEUT.     JAMES     V. 

ited  the  remains  of  a  comrade.  Who  could  it 
have  been  ?  I  did  not  dare  to  go  and  meet  them 
to  inquire^  but  I  waited  in  painful  suspense  until 
the  procession  came  up,  with  arms  reversed.  With 
sad  faces  and  slow  and  measured  tread  they  re 
turned  in  order  as  they  had  gone.  I  stepped  for 
ward  and  inquired  whom  they  had  buried.  Lieu 
tenant  James  Y.  was  the  reply. 

My  friend !  They  had  buried  him,  and  I  had 
not  seen  him !  I  went  to  my  tent  without  uttering 
a  word.  I  felt  as  if  it  could  not  be  possible  that 
what  I  heard  was  true.  It  must  be  some  one  else. 
I  did  not  inquire  how,  when  or  where  he  had  been 
killed,  but  there  I  sat  with  tearless  eyes.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  B.  came  in,  she  sobbing  aloud,  he  calm  and 
dignified,  but  with  tears  slowly  rolling  down  his 
face.  Lieutenant  Y.  was  thirty-two  years  of  age ; 
he  was  tall,  had  black  wavy  hair,  and  large  black 
eyes.  He  was  a  sincere  Christian,  active  in  all  the 
duties  devolving  upon  a  Christian  soldier,  and  was 
greatly  beloved  both  by  officers  and  men.  His 
loss  was  deeply  felt.  His  heart,  though  brave, 
was  tender  as  a  woman's.  He  was  noble  and  gen 
erous,  and  had  the  highest  regard  for  truth  and 
law.  Although  gentle  and  kind  to  all,  yet  he  had 
an  indomitable  spirit  and  a  peculiar  courage  and 
daring,  which  almost  amounted  to  recklessness  in 
time  of  danger.  He  was  not  an  American,  but 
Was  born  of  English  parents,  and  was  a  native  of 
St.  John,  New  Brunswick.  I  had  known  him  al- 


II  IS    BURIAL.  99 

most  from  childhood,  and  found  him  always  a 
faithful  friend. 

When  we  met  in  the  army  we  met  as  strangers. 
The  changes  which  five  years  had  wrought,  and 
the  costume  which  I  wore,  together  with  change 
of  name,  rendered  it  impossible  for  him  to  recog 
nize  me.  I  was  glad  that  he  did  not,  and  took 
peculiar  pleasure  in  remaining  unrecognized. 
We  became  acquainted  again,  and  a  new  friend 
ship  sprang  up,  on  his  part,  for  mine  was  not  new, 
which  was  very  pleasant,  at  least  to  me.  At  times 
my  position  became  very  embarrassing,  for  I  was 
obliged  to  listen  to  a  recapitulation  of  my  own 
former  conversations  and  correspondence  with 
him,  which  made  me  feel  very  much  like  an  eaves 
dropper.  He  had  neither  wife,  mother  nor  sister, 
and,  like  myself,  was  a  wanderer  from  his  native 
land.  There  was  a  strong  bond  of  sympathy  ex 
isting  between  us,  for  we  both  believed  that  duty 
called  us  there,  and  were  willing  to  lay  down  even 
life  itself,  if  need  be,  in  this  glorious  cause.  Now 
he  was  gone,  and  I  was  left  alone  with  a  deeper 
sorrow  in  my  heart  than  I  had  ever  known  before. 

Chaplain  B.  broke  the  painful  silence  by  inform 
ing  me  how  he  had  met  his  fate.  He  was  acting 
in  the  capacity  of  aide-de-camp  on  General  C.'s 
staff.  He  was  sent  to  carry  an  order  from  head 
quarters  to  the  officer  in  command  of  the  outer 
picket  line,  and  while  riding  along  the  line  he  was 
struck  by  a  Minnie  ball,  which  passed  through  the 


100  THE    GRAVE    BY    NIGHT. 

temple,  killing  him  instantly.  His  remains  were 
brought  to  camp  and  prepared  for  their  last  rest 
ing  place.  Without  shroud  or  coffin,  wrapped  in 
his  blanket,  his  body  was  committed  to  the  cold 
ground.  They  made  his  grave  under  a  beautiful 
pear  tree,  in  full  bloom,  where  he  sleeps  peaceful 
ly,  notwithstanding  the  roar  of  cannon  and  the  din 
of  battle  which  peal  forth  their  funeral  notes  over 
his  dreamless  bed. 

One  more  buried 

Beneath  the  sod, 
One  more  standing 

Before  his  God. 

We  should  not  weep 

That  he  has  gone ; 
With  us  'tis  night, 

With  him  'tis  mom. 

Night  came  at  last  with  its  friendly  mantle,  and 
our  camp  was  again  hushed  in  comparative  repose. 
Twelve  o'clock  came,  but  I  could  not  sleep. 
Visions  of  a  pale  face  and  a  mass  of  black  wavy 
hair,  matted  with  gore  which  oozed  from  a  dark 
purple  spot  on  the  temple,  haunted  me.  I  rose 
up  quietly  and  passed  out  into  the  open  air.  The 
cool  night  breeze  felt  grateful  to  my  burning  brow, 
which  glowed  with  feverish  excitement.  With  a 
hasty  word  of  explanation  I  passed  the  camp 
guard,  and  was  soon  beside  the  grave  of  Lieuten 
ant  V.  The  solemn  grandeur  of  the  heavens,  the 
silent  stars  looking  lovingly  down  upon  that  little 
heaped  up  mound  of  earth,  the  death-like  stillness 


A    SOLDIER    CHAPLAIN.  101 

of  the  hour,  only  broken  by  the  occasional  boom 
ing  of  the  enemy's  cannon,  all  combined  to  make 
the  scene  awfully  impressive.  I  felt  that  I  was 
not  alone.  I  was  in  the  presence  of  that  God  who 
had  summoned  my  friend  to  the  eternal  world,  and 
the  spirit  of  the  departed  one  was  hovering  near, 
although  my  dim  eyes  could  not  penetrate  the 
mysterious  veil  which  hid  him  from  my  view.  It 
was  there,  in  that  midnight  hour,  kneeling  beside 
the  grave  of  him  who  was  very  dear  to  me,  that  I 
vowed  to  avenge  the  death  of  that  Christian  hero. 
I  could  now  better  understand  the  feelings  of  poor 
Nellie  when  she  fired  the  pistol  at  me,  because  I 
was  "  one  of  the  hated  Yankees  who  was  in  sym 
pathy  with  the  murderers  of  her  husband,  father 
and  brothers." 

But  I  could  not  forgive  his  murderers  as  she 
nad  done.  I  did  not  enjoy  taking  care  of  the  sick 
and  wounded  as  I  once  did,  but  I  longed  to  go 
forth  and  do,  as  a  noble  chaplain  did  at  the  battle 
of  Pittsburg  Landing.  He  picked  up  the  musket 
and  cartridge-box  of  a  wounded  soldier,  stepped 
into  the  front  rank,  and  took  deliberate  aim  at  one 
rebel  after  another  until  he  had  fired  sixty  rounds 
of  cartridge ;  and  as  he  sent  a  messenger  of  death 
to  each  heart  he  also  sent  up  the  following  brief 
prayer:  uMay  God  have  mercy  upon  your  miser 
able  soul." 

From  this  time  forward  I  became  strangely  in 
terested  in  the  fifteenth  chapter  of  first  Corinthians  - 


102  EECOGNITION    IN     HEAVEN. 

the  doctrine  of  the  resurrection,  and  the  hope  of 
u  recognition  of  friends  in  heaven"  became  very 
precious  to  me.  For  I  believe  with  regard  to  our 
departed  loved  ones,  that 


"When  safely  landed  on  that  heavenly  shore 
Where  sighings  cease  and  sorrows  come  no  more — 
With  hearts  no  more  by  cruel  anguish  riven, 
As  we  have  loved  on  earth  we'll  love  in  heaven. 


And  infinitely  more  than  we  are  capable  of  loving 
here.  "Few  things  connected  with  the  great  here 
after  so  deeply  concern  the  heart  as  the  question 
of  personal  recognition  in  heaven.  Dear  ones  of 
earth,  linked  to  our  hearts  by  the  most  tender  ties, 
have  departed  and  gone  away  into  the  unknown 
realm.  We  have  carefully  and  tearfully  laid  their 
bodies  in  the  grave  to  slumber  till  the  great 
awakening  morning.  If  there  is  no  personal  re 
cognition  in  heaven,  if  we  shall  neither  see  nor 
know  our  friends  there,  so  far  as  we  are  concerned 
they  are  annihilated,  and  heaven  has  no  genuine 
antidote  for  the  soul's  agony  in  the  hour  of  be 
reavement.  All  the  precious  memories  of  toil  and 
trial,  of  conflict  and  victory,  of  gracious  manifes 
tations  and  of  holy  joy,  shared  with  them  in  the 
time  of  our  pilgrimage,  will  have  perished  forever. 
The  anxiety  of  the  soul  with  regard  to  the  recog 
nition  of  our  friends  in  the  future  state  is  natural. 
It  springs  from  the  holiest  sympathies  of  the  hu- 
toan  heart,  and  any  inquiry  that  may  solve  our 


DOUBTS     AND     DISSATISFACTION.    103 

doubts  or  relieve  our  anxiety  is  equally  rational 
and  commendable. 

"Tell  me,  ye  who  have  seen  the  open  tomb  re 
ceive  into  its  bosom  the  sacred,  trust  committed  to 
its  keeping,  in  hope  of  the  first  resurrection — ye 
who  have  heard  the  sullen  rumbling  of  the  clods 
as  they  dropped  upon  the  coffin  lid,  and  told  you 
that  earth  had  gone  back  to  earth ;  when  the  sep 
aration  from  the  object  of  your  love  was  realized 
in  all  the  desolation  of  bereavement,  next  to  the 
thought  that  you  should  ere  long  see  Christ  as  he 
is  and  be  like  him,  was  not  that  consolation  the 
strongest  which  assured  you  that  the  departed 
one,  whom  God  has  put  from  you  into  darkness, 
will  run  to  meet  you  when  you  cross  the  threshold 
of  immortality,  and,  with  the  holy  rapture  to 
which  the  redeemed  alone  can  give  utterance,  lead 
you  to  the  exalted  Saviour,  and  with  you  bow  at 
his  feet  and  cast  the  conqueror's  crown  before 
him  ?  And  is  this  hope  vain  ?  Shall  we  not  even 
know  those  dear  ones  in  the  spirit  world  ?  Was 
this  light  of  hope  that  gilded  so  beautifully  the 
sad,  dark  hour  of  human  woe,  only  a  mocking  ignis 
fatuus,  so  soon  to  go  out  in  everlasting  darkness  ? 
Is  this  affection,  so  deep,  so  holy,  yearning  over 
its  object  with  undying  love,  to  be  nipped  in  the 
very  bud  of  its  being  ?  Nay,  it  cannot  be.  The^e 
must  have  been  some  higher  purpose ;  God  could 
not  delight  in  the  bestowal  of  affections  that  were 
to  be  blighted  in  their  very  beginning,  and  of 


104  FRIENDLY     COUNSEL. 

hopes  that  were  to  end  only  in  the  mockery  of 
eternal  disappointment." 

If  fate  unite  the  faithful  but  to  part, 

is  their  memory  sacred  to  the  heart  ? 


Oh,  thank  God  for  FAITH!  for  a  faith  that  takes 
hold  of  that  which  is  within  the  veil.  There  we 
behold  our  loved  ones  basking  in  the  sunshine  of 
the  Redeemer's  love  —  there  they  see  Him  face  to 
face,  and  know  as  they  are  known.  And  they 
speak  to  us  from  the  bright  eternal  world,  and 
bid  us 

Weep  not  at  nature's  transient  pain  ; 
Congenial  spirits  part  to  meet  again. 

Just  at  this  crisis  I  received  a  letter  from  a 
friend  of  mine  at  the  North,  disapproving  in  strong 
terms  of  my  remaining  any  longer  in  the  army, 
requesting  me  to  give  up  my  situation  immediate 
ly,  and  to  meet  him  in  Washington  two  weeks 
from  date.  I  regarded  that  friend's  opinions  very 
much,  especially  when  they  coincided  with  my 
own  ;  but  upon  this  point  no  two  opinions  could 
differ  more  widely  than  did  ours. 

It  is  true  I  was  becoming  dissatisfied  with  my 
situation  as  nurse,  and  was  determined  to  leave 
the  hospital  ;  but  before  doing  so  I  thought  it  best 
to  call  a  council  of  three,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  and  I, 
to  decide  what  was  the  best  course  to  pursue. 
After  an  hour's  conference  together  the  matter 
was  decided  in  my  mind.  Chaplain  B.  told  me 


CAPTURE     OF    A    SPY.  105 

that  he  knew  of  a  situation  he  could  get  for  me  if 
I  had  sufficient  moral  courage  to  undertake  its 
duties;  and,  said  he,  "it  is  a  situation  of  great 
danger  and  of  vast  responsibility." 

•That  morning  a  detachment  of  the  Thirty-sev 
enth  New  York  had  been  sent  out  as  scouts,  and 
had  returned  bringing  in  several  prisoners,  who 
stated  that  one  of  the  Federal  spies  had  been  cap 
tured  at  Richmond  and  was  to  be  executed.  This 
information  proved  to  be  correct,  and  we  lost  a 
valuable  soldier  from  the  secret  service  of  the 
United  States.  Now  it  was  necessary  for  that  va 
cancy  to  be  supplied,  and,  as  the  Chaplain  had 
said  with  reference  to  it,  it  was  a  situation  of  great 
danger  and  vast  responsibility,  and  this  was  the 
one  which  Mr.  B.  could  procure  for  me.  But  was 
I  capable  of  filling  it  with  honor  to  myself  and  ad 
vantage  to  the  Federal  Government  ?  This  was 
an  important  question  for  me  to  consider  ere  I 
proceeded  further.  I  did  consider  it  thoroughly, 
and  made  up  my  mind  to  accept  it  with  all  its 
fearful  responsibilities.  The  subject  of  life  and 
death  was  not  weighed  in  the  balance ;  I  left  that 
in  the  hands  of  my  Creator,  feeling  assured  that  I 
was  just  as  safe  in  passing  the  picket  lines  of  the 
enemy,  if  it  was  God's  will  that  I  should  go  there, 
as  I  would  be  in  the  Federal  camp.  And  if  not, 
then  His  will  be  done : 

Then  welcome  death,  the  end  of  fears. 

My  name  was  sent  in  to  headquarters,  and  I  was 


106  DISGUISE    AS    A    SPY. 

soon  summoned  to  appear  there  myself.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  B.  accompanied  me.  We  were  ushered  into 
the  presence  of  Generals  Me.,  M.  andH.,  where  I 
was  questioned  and  cross-questioned  with  regard 
to  my  views  of  the  rebellion  and  my  motive  in 
wishing  to  engage  in  so  perilous  an  undertaking. 
My  views  were  freely  given,  my  object  briefly 
stated,  and  I  had  passed  trial  number  one. 

Next  I  was  examined  with  regard  to  my  knowl 
edge  of  the  use  of  firearms,  and  in  that  depart 
ment  I  sustained  my  character  in  a  manner  worthy 
of  a  veteran.  Then  I  was  again  cross-questioned, 
but  this  time  by  a  new  committee  of  military  stars. 
Next  came  a  phrenological  examination,  and  find- 
ing  that  my  organs  of  secretiveness,  combativeness, 
etc.,  were  largely  developed,  the  oath  of  allegiance 
Was  administered,  and  I  was  dismissed  with  a  few 
complimentary  remarks  which  made  the  good  Mr, 
B.  feel  quite  proud  of  his  protege.  This  was  the 
third  time  that  I  had  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  United  States,  and  I  began  to  think,  as 
many  of  our  soldiers  do,  that  profanity  had  become 
a  military  necessity. 

I  had  three  days  in  which  to  prepare  for  my 
debut  into  rebeldom,  and  I  commenced  at  once  to 
remodel,  transform  and  metamorphose  for  the  oc 
casion.  Early  next  morning  I  started  for  Fortress** 
Monroe,  where  I  procured  a  number  of  articles 
indispensably  necessary  to  a  complete  disguise. 
In  the  first  place  I  purchased  a  suit  of  contraband 


I    TURN     CONTRABAND.  107 

clothing,  real  plantation  style,  and  then  I  went  to 
a  barber  and  had  my  hair  sheared  close  to  my 
head. 

Next  came  the  coloring  process — head,  face, 
neck,  hands  and  arms  were  colored  black  as  any 
African,  and  then,  to  complete  my  contraband  cos 
tume,  I  required  a  wig  of  real  negro  wool.  But 
how  or  where  was  it  to  be  found  ?  There  was  no 
such  thing  at  the  Fortress,  and  none  short  of 
Washington.  Happily  I  found  •  the  mail-boat  was 
about  to  start,  and  hastened  on  board,  and  finding 
a  Postmaster  with  whom  I  was  acquainted,  I 
stepped  forward  to  speak  to  him,  forgetting  my 
contraband  appearance,  and  was  saluted  with— 
"  Well,  Massa  Cuff— what  will  you  have  ?  "  Said 
I:  "Massa  send  me  to  you  wid  dis  yere  money 
for  you  to  fotch  him  a  darkie  wig  from  Washing 
ton."  "  What  the does  he  want  of  a  darkie 

wig?"  asked  the  Postmaster.  "No  matter,  dat's 
my  orders ;  guess  it 's  for  some  'noiterin'  business." 
"Oh,  for  reconnoitering  you  mean;  all  right  old 
fellow,  I  will  bring  it,  tell  him."  I  remained  at 
Fortress  Monroe  until  the  Postmaster  returned 
with  the  article  which  was  to  complete  my  dis 
guise,  and  then  returned  to  camp  near  Yorktown. 

On  my  return,  I  found  myself  without  friends 
— a  striking  illustration  of  the  frailty  of  human 
friendship — I  had  been  forgotten  in  those  three 
short  days.  I  went  to  Mrs.  B.  's  tent  and  inquired  if 
she  wanted  to  hire  a  boy  to  take  care  of  her  horse. 


108  HIRED    AS    A    COOK. 

She  was  very  civil  to  me,  asked  if  I  came  from 
Fortress  Monroe,  and  whether  I  could  cook.  She 
did  not  want  to  hire  me,  but  she  thought  she 
could  find  some  one  who  did  require  a  boy.  Off 
she  went  to  Dr.  E.  and  told  him  that  there  was  a 
smart  little  contraband  there  who  was  in  search  of 
work.  Dr.  E.  came  along,  looking  as  important 
as  two  year  old  doctors  generally  do.  "Well,  my 
boy,  how  much  work  can  you  do  in  a  day  ?  "  "  Oh, 
I  reckon  I  kin  work  right  smart ;  kin  do  heaps  o' 
work.  Will  you  hire  me,  Massa?"  "Don't  know 
but  I  may;  can  you  cook?"  "Yes,  Massa,  kin 
cook  anything  I  ebber  seen."  "How  much  do 
you  think  you  can  earn  a  month  ?  "  "  Guess  I  kin 
earn  ten  dollars  easy  nun0."  Turning  to  Mrs.  B. 
he  said  in  an  undertone:  "That  darkie  under 
stands  his  business."  "Yes  indeed,  I  would  hire 
him  by  all  means,  Doctor,"  said  Mrs.  B.  "Well, 
if  you  wish,  you  can  stay  with  me  a  month,  and  by 
that  time  I  will  be  a  better  judge  how  much  you 


can  earn." 


So  saying  Dr.  E.  proceeded  to  give  a  synopsis 
of  a  contraband's  duty  toward  a  master  of  whom 
he  expected  ten  dollars  per  month,  especially  em 
phasising  the  last  clause.  Then  I  was  introduced 
to  the  culinary  department,  which  comprised  flour, 
pork,  beans,  a  small  portable  stove,  a  spider,  and 
a  medicine  chest.  It  was  now  supper  time,  and  I 
was  supposed  to  understand  my  business  sufficient 
ly  to  prepare  supper  without  asking  any  questions 


THE  DOCTOR'S  TEA..  109 

whatever,  and  also  to  display  some  of  my  boasted 
talents  by  making  warm  biscuit  for  supper.  But 
how  was  I  to  make  biscuit  with  my  colored  hands  ? 
and  how  dare  I  wash  them  for  fear  the  color  would 
wash  off?  All  this  trouble  was  soon  put  to  an 
end,  however,  by  Jack's  making  his  appearance 
while  I  was  stirring  up  the  biscuit  with  a  stick, 
and  in  his  bustling,  officious,  negro  style,  he  said  ; 
u  See  here  nig — you  don't  know  nuffin  bout  makin 
bisket.  Jis  let  me  show  you  once,  and  dat  ar  will 
save  you  heaps  o'  trouble  wid  Massa  doct'r  for 
time  to  come."  I  very  willingly  accepted  of  this 
proffered  assistance,  for  I  had  all  the  necessary  in 
gredients  in  the  dish,  with  pork  fat  for  shortening, 
and  soda  and  cream- tar  tar,  which  I  found  in  the 
medicine  chest,  ready  for  kneading  and  rolling 
out.  After  washing  his  hands  and  rolling  up  his 
sleeves,  Jack  went  to  work  with  a  flourish  and  a 
grin  of  satisfaction  at  being  u  boss"  over  the  new 
cook.  Tea  made,  biscuit  baked,  and  the  medicine 
chest  set  off  with  tin  cups,  plates,  etc.,  supper  was 
announced.  Dr.  E.  was  much  pleased  with  the 
general  appearance  of  things,  and  was  evidently 
beginning  to  think  that  he  had  found  rather  an  in 
telligent  contraband  for  a  cook. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

MY      FIRST      SECRET      EXPEDITION MY      WORK     AMONG     CONTRA 
BANDS PICKAXE,     SHOVEL      AJJD      WHEELBARROW COUNTING 

THE    GUNS    IN    A    REBEL    FORTIFICATION A    CHANGE    OF  WORK 

CARRYING  WATER  TO    THE    REBEL    SOLDIERS GENERALS  LEE 

AND  JOHNSON THE  REBEL  FORCE  AT  YORKTOWN A  COUN 
CIL  OF  WAR TURNING  WHITE  AGAIN A  REBEL  SPY LIEU 
TENANT  V.'S  MURDERER ON  PICKET  DUTY MY  RETURN  TO 

OUR   LINES 1    PUT    ON    UNIFORM    AND    MAKE    MY    REPORT. 

AFTER  supper  I  was  left  to  my  own  reflections, 
which,  were  anything  but  pleasant  at  that 
time ;  for  in  the  short  space  of  three  hours  I  must 
take  up  my  line  of  march  toward  the  camp  of  the 
enemy.  As  I  sat  there  considering  whether  it  was 
best  for  me  to  make  myself  known  to  Mrs.  B.  be 
fore  I  started,  Dr.  E.  put  his  head  in  at  the  tent 
door  and  said  in  a  hurried  manner :  u  Ned,  I  want 
you  to  black  my  boots  to-night ;  I  shall  require 
them  early  in  the  morning."  "All  right,  Massa 
Doct'r,"  said  I;  "I  allers  blacks  de  boots  over 
night."  After  washing  up  the  few  articles  which 
had  taken  the  place  of  dishes,  and  blacking  the 
Doctor's  boots,  I  went  to  seek  an  interview  with 
Mrs.  B.  I  found  her  alone  and  told  her  who  I 
was,  but  was  obliged  to  give  her  satisfactory 
proofs  of  my  identity  before  she  was  convinced 


SECRET    EXPEDITION  111 

that  I  was  the  identical  nurse  with  whom  she  had 
parted  three  days  previously. 

My  arrangements  were  soon  made,  and  I  was 
ready  to  start  on  my  first  secret  expedition  toward 
the  Confederate  capital.  Mrs.  B.  was  pledged 
to  secrecy  with  regard  to  her  knowledge  of 
"Ned"  and  his  mysterious  disappearance.  She 
was  not  permitted  even  to  tell  Mr.  B.  or  Dr.  E., 
and  I  believe  she  kept  her  pledge  faithfully.  With 
a  few  hard  crackers  in  my  pocket,  and  my  revol 
ver  loaded  and  capped,  I  started  on  foot,  without 
even  a  blanket  or  anything  which  might  create 
suspicion.  At  half-past  nine  o'clock  I  passed 
through  the  outer  picket  line  of  the  Union  army, 
at  twelve  o'clock  I  was  within  the  rebel  lines,  and 
had  not  so  much  as  been  halted  once  by  a  senti 
nel.  I  had  passed  within  less  than  ten  rods  of  a 
rebel  picket,  and  he  had  not  seen  me.  I  took  this 
as  a  favorable  omen,  and  thanked  heaven  for  it. 

As  soon  as  I  had  gone  a  safe  distance  from  the 
picket  lines  I  lay  down  and  rested  until  morning. 
The  night  was  chilly  and  the  ground  cold  and 
damp,  and  I  passed  the  weary  hours  in  fear  and 
trembling.  The  first  object  which  met  my  view 
in  the  morning  was  a  party  of  negroes  carrying 
out  hot  coffee  and  provisions  to  the  rebel  pickets. 
This  was  another  fortunate  circumstance,  for  I  im 
mediately  made  their  acquaintance,  and  was  re 
warded  for  my  promptness  by  receiving  a  cup  of 
coffee  and  a  piece  of  corn  bread,  which  helped 


112  MADE     TO     WORK. 

very  much  to  chase  away  the  lingering  chills  of 
the  preceding  night.  I  remained  there  until  the 
darkies  returned,  and  then  marched  into  York- 
town  with  them  without  eliciting  the  least  sus 
picion. 

The  negroes  went  to  work  immediately  on  the 
fortifications  after  reporting  to  their  overseers,  and 
I  was  left  standing  alone,  not  having  quite  made 
up  my  mind  what  part  to  act  next.  I  was  saved 
all  further  trouble  in  that  direction,  for  my  idle 
ness  had  attracted  the  notice  of  an  officer,  who 
stepped  forward  and  began  to  interrogate  me 
after  the  following  manner  :  "  Who  do  you  belong 
to,  and  why  are  you  not  at  work  ?  "  I  answered 
in  my  best  negro  dialect :  "  I  dusn't  belong  to  no 
body,  Massa,  I'se  free  and  allers  was ;  I'se  gwyne 
to  Richmond  to  work."  But  that  availed  me 
nothing,  for  turning  to  a  man  who  was  dressed  in 
citizen's  clothes  and  who  seemed  to  be  in  charge 
of  the  colored  department,  he  said :  "  Take  that 
black  rascal  and  set  him  to  work,  and  if  he  don't 
work  well  tie  him  up  and  give  him  twenty  lashes, 
just  to  impress  upon  his  mind  that  there's  no  free 
niggers  here  while  there's  a  d— d  Yankee  left  in 
Virginia." 

So  saying  he  rode  away,  and  I  was  conducted 
to  a  breast- work  which  was  in  course  of  erection, 
where  about  a  hundred  negroes  were  at  work.  I 
was  soon  furnished  with  a  pickaxe,  shovel,  and  a 
monstrous  wheelbarrow,  and  I  commenced  forth- 


DISGUISED  AS  A  CONTRABAND.— Page  113. 


A    REBEL    FORTIFICATION.  113 

with  to  imitate  my  companions  in  bondage.  That 
portion  of  the  parapet  upon  which  I  was  sent  to 
work  was  about  eight  feet  high.  The  gravel  wag 
wheeled  up  in  wheelbarrows  on  single  planks,  one 
end  of  which  rested  on  the  brow  of  the  breast- 
work  and  the  other  on  the  ground.  I  need  not 
say  that  this  work  was  exceedingly  hard  for  the 
strongest  man ;  but  few  were  able  to  take  up  their 
wheelbarrows  alone,  and  I  was  often  helped  by 
some  good  natured  darkie  when  I  was  just  on  the 
verge  of  tumbling  off  the  plank.  All  day  long  I 
worked  in  this  manner,  until  my  hands  were  blis 
tered  from  my  wrists  to  the  finger  ends. 

The  colored  men's  rations  were  different  from 
those  of  the  soldiers.  They  had  neither  meat  nor 
coffee,  while  the  white  men  had  both.  Whiskey 
was  freely  distributed  to  both  black  and  white, 
but  not  in  sufficient  quantity  to  unfit  them  for 
duty.  The  soldiers  seemed  to  be  as  much  in 
earnest  as  the  officers,  and  could  curse  the  Yan 
kees  with  quite  as  much  vehemence.  Notwith 
standing  the  hardships  of  the  day  I  had  had  my 
eyes  and  ears  open,  and  had  gained  more  than 
would  counterbalance  the  day's  work. 

Night  came,  and  I  was  released  from  toil.  I 
was  free  to  go  where  I  pleased  within  the  fortifi 
cations,  and  I  made  good  use  of  my  liberty.  I 
made  out  a  brief  report  of  the  mounted  -guns 
which  I  saw  that  night  in  my  ramble  round  the 
fort,  viz. :  fifteen  three-inch  .rifled  cannon,  eight- 


114  AMONG     THE     SOLDIERS. 

een  four  and  a  half-inch,  rifled  cannon,  twenty- 
nine  thirty-two  pounders,  twenty-one  forty-two 
pounders,  twenty-three  eight-inch  Columbiads, 
eleven  nine-inch  Dahlgrens,  Hhirteen  ten-inch  Co 
lumbiads,  fourteen  ten-inch  mortars,  and  seven 
eight-inch  siege  howitzers.  This, -together  with  a 
rough  sketch  of  the  outer  works,  I  put  under  the 
inner  sole  of  my  contraband  shoe  and  returned  to 
the  negro  quarters. 

Finding  my  hands  would  not  be  in  a  condition 
to  shovel  much  earth  on  the  morrow,  I  began  to 
look  round  among  the  negroes  to  find  some  one 
who  would  exchange  places  with  me  whose  duty 
was  of  a  less  arduous  character.  I  succeeded  in 
finding  a  lad  of  about  my  own  size  who  was  en 
gaged  in  carrying  water  to  the  troops.  He  said 
he  would  take  my  place  the  next  day,  and  he 
thought  he  could  find  a  friend  to  do  the  same  the 
day  following,  for  which  brotherly  kindness  I 
gave  him  five  dollars  in  greenbacks ;  but  he  de 
clared  he  could  not  take  so  much  money—"  he 
neber  had  so  much  money  in  all  his  life  before.'1 
So  by  that  operation  I  escaped  the  scrutiny  of  the 
overseer,  which  would  probably  have  resulted  in 
the  detection  of  my  assumed  African  complexion. 

The  second  day  in  the  Confederate  service  was 
much  pleasanter  than  the  first.  I  had  only  to  sup 
ply  one  brigade  with  water,  which  did  not  require 
much  exertion,  for  the  day  was  cool  and  the  well 
Was  not  far  distant ;  consequently  I  had  an  oppor- 


A     COUNCIL     OF      WAR.  115 

tunity  of  lounging  a  little  among  the  soldiers,  and 
of  hearing  important  subjects  discussed.  In  that 
way  I  learned  the  number  of  reinforcements  which 
had  arrived  from  different  places,  and  also  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  General  Lee,  who  arrived  while 
I  was  there.  It  was  whispered  among  the  men 
that  he  had  been  telegraphed  to  for  the  purpose 
of  inspecting  the  Yankee  fortifications,  as  he  was 
the  best  engineer  in  the  Confederacy,  and  that  he 
had  pronounced  it  impossible  to  hold  Yorktown 
after  McClellan  opened  his  siege  guns  upon  it. 
Then,  too,  General  J.  E.  Johnson  was  hourly  ex 
pected  with  a  portion  of  his  command.  Including 
all,  the  rebels  estimated  their  force  at  one  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  at  Yorktown  and  in  that 
vicinity. 

When  Johnson  arrived  there  was  a  council  of 
war  held,  and  things  began  to  look  gloomy.  Then 
the  report  began  to  circulate  that  the  town  was  to 
be  evacuated.  One  thing  I  noticed  in  the  rebel 
army,  that  they  do  not  keep  their  soldiers  in  the 
dark  as  our  officers  do  with  regard  to  the  move 
ments  and  destination  of  the  troops.  When  an 
order  comes  to  the  Federal  army  requiring  them 
to  make  some  important  movement,  no  person 
knows  whether  they  are  advancing  or  retreating 
until  they  get  to  Washington,  or  in  sight  of  the 
enemy's  guns,  excepting  two  or  three  of  the  lead 
ing  generals. 

Having  a  little   spare  time  I  visited  my  sable 


116  TURNING    WHITE    AGAIN. 

friends  and  carried  some  water  for  them.  After 
taking  a  draught  of  the  cool  beverage,  one  young 
darkie  looked  up  at  me  in  a  puzzled  sort  of  man 
ner,  and  turning  round  to  one  of  his  companions, 
said :  "  Jim,  I'll  be  darned  if  that  feller  aint  turnin' 
white;  if  he  aint  then  I'm  no  nigger."  I  felt 
greatly  alarmed  at  the  remark,  but  said,  very  care 
lessly,  "Well,  gem'in  I'se  allers  'spected  to  come 
white  some  time  ;  my  mudder  's  a  white  woman." 
This  had  the  desired  effect,  for  they  all  laughed  at 
my  simplicity,  and  made  no  further  remarks  upon 
the  subject.  As  soon  as  I  could  conveniently  get 
out  of  sight  I  took  a  look  at  my  complexion  by 
means  of  a  small  pocket  looking-glass  which  I  car 
ried  for  that  very  purpose — and  sure  enough,  as 
the  negro  had  said,  I  was  really  turning  white.  I 
was  only  a  dark  mulatto  color  now,  whereas  two 
days  previous  I  was  as  black  as  Cloe.  However,  I 
had  a  small  vial  of  nitrate  of  silver  in  weak  solu 
tion,  which  I  applied  to  prevent  the  remaining 
color  from  coming  off. 

Upon  returning  to  my  post  with  a  fresh  supply 
of  water,  I  saw  a  group  of  soldiers  gathered  around 
some  individual  who  was  haranguing  them  in  real 
Southern  style.  I  went  up  quietly,  put  down  my 
cans  of  water,  and  of  course  had  to  fill  the  men's 
canteens,  which  required  considerable  time,  espe 
cially  as  I  was  not  in  any  particular  hurry  just 
then.  I  thought  the  voice  sounded  familiar,  and 
upon  taking  a  sly  look  at  the  speaker  I  recognized 


A     REBEL    SPY. 


him  at  once  as  a  peddler  who  used  to  come  to  the 
Federal  camp  regularly  once  every  week  with 
newspapers  and  stationery,  and  especially  at  head 
quarters.  He  would  hang  round  there,  under 
some  pretext  or  other,  for  half  a  day  at  a  time 

There  he  was,  giving  the  rebels  a  full  descrip 
tion  of  our  camp  and  forces,  and  also  brought  out 
a  map  of  the  entire  works  of  McClellan's  position. 
He  wound  up  his  discourse  by  saying  :  "  They  lost 
a  splendid  officer  through  my  means  since  I  have 
been  gone  this  time.  It  was  a  pity  though  to  kill 
such  a  man  if  he  was  a  d  —  d  Yankee."  Then  he 
went  on  to  tell  how  he  had  been  at  headquarters, 
and  heard  "Lieutenant  Y."  say  thdt  he  was  going 
to  visit  the  picket  line  at  such  a  time,  and  he  had 
hastened  away  and  informed  the  rebel  sharpshoot 
ers  that  one  of  the  headquarter  officers  would  be 
there  at  a.  certain  time,  and  if  they  would  charge 
on  that  portion  of  the  line  they  might  capture  him 
and  obtain  some  valuable  information.  Instead  of 
this,  however,  they  watched  for  his  approach,  and 
shot  him  as  soon  as  he  made  his  appearance. 

I  thanked  God  for  that  information.  I  would 
willingly  have  wrought  with  those  negroes  on 
that  parapet  for  two  months,  and  have  worn  the 
skin  off  my  hands  half  a  dozen  times,  to  have 
gained  that  single  item.  He  was  a  fated  man 
from  that  moment  ;  his  life  was  not  worth  three 
cents  in  Confederate  scrip.  But  fortunately  he  did 
not  know  the  feelings  that  agitated  the  heart  of 


118  OX    PICKET    DUTY. 

that  little  black  urchin  who  sat  there  so  quietly 
filling  those  canteens,  and  it  was  well  that  he 
did  not. 

On  the  evening  of  the  third  day  from  the  time 
I  entered  the  camp  of  the  enemy  I  \vas  sent,  in 
•company  with  the  colored  men,  to  carry  supper  to 
the  outer  picket  posts  on  the  right  wing.  This 
was  just  what  I  wished  for,  and  had  been  making 
preparations  during  the  day,  in  view  of  the  possi 
bility  of  such  an  event,  providing,  among  other 
things,  a  canteen  full  of  whiskey.  Some  of  the 
men  on  picket  duty  were  black  and  some  were 
white.  I  had  a  great  partiality  for  those  of  my 
own  color,  so  calling  out  several  darkies  I  spread 
before  them  some  corn  cake,  and  gave  them  a  lit 
tle  whiskey  for  dessert.  While  we  were  thus  en 
gaged  the  Yankee  Minnie  balls  were  whistling 
round  our  heads,  for  the  picket  lines  of  the  con 
tending  parties  were  not  half  a  mile  distant  from 
each  other.  The  rebel  pickets  do  not  remain 
together  in  groups  of  three  or  four  as  our 
men  do,  but  are  strung  along,  one  in  each  place, 
from  three  to  four  rods  apart.  I  proposed  to  re 
main  a  while  with  the  pickets,  and  the  darkies 
returned  to  camp  without  me. 

Not  long  after  night  an  officer  came  riding 
along  the  lines,  and  seeing  me  he  inquired  what  I 
was  doing  there.  One  of  the  darkies  replied  that 
I  had  helped  to  carry  out  their  supper,  and  was 
Nvaiting  until  the  Yankees  stopped  firing  before  I 


RETURN     TO     OUR    LINES.  119 

started  to  go  back.  Turning  to  me  he  said,  "  You 
come  along  with  me."  I  did  as  I  was  ordered, 
and  he  turned  and  went  back  the  same  way  he 
came  until  we  had  gone  about  fifty  rods,  then, 
halting  in  front  of  a  petty  officer  he  said,  "Put 
this  fellow  on  the  post  where  that  man  was  shot 
until  I  return."  I  was  conducted  a  few  rods  far 
ther,  and  then  a  rifle  was  put  into  my  hands,  which 
I  was  told  to  use  freely  in  case  I  should  see  any 
thing  or  anybody  approaching  from  the  enemy. 
Then  followed  the  flattering  remark,  after  taking 
me  by  the  coat-collar  and  giving  me  a  pretty  hard 
shake,  "Now,  you  black  rascal,  if  you  sleep  on 
your  post  I'll  shoot  you  like  a  dog."  "  Oh  no, 
Massa,  I'se  too  feerd  to  sleep,"  was  my  only  reply. 
The  night  was  very  dark,  and  it  was  beginning 
to  rain.  I  was  all  alone  now,  but  how  long  before 
the  officer  might  return  with  some  one  to  fill  my 
place  I  did  not  know,  and  I  thought  the  best  thing 
I  could  do  was  to  make  good  use  of  the  present 
moment.  After  ascertaining  as  well  as  possible 
the  position  of  the  picket  on  each  side  of  me,  each 
of  whom  I  found  to  be  enjoying  the  shelter  of  the 
nearest  tree,  I  deliberately  and  noiselessly  stepped 
into  the  darkness,  and  was  soon  gliding  swiftly 
through  the  forest  toward  the  "land  of  the  free," 
with  my  splendid  rifle  grasped  tightly  lest  I  should 
lose  the  prize.  I  did-  not  dare  to  approach  very 
near  the  Federal  lines,  for  I  was  in  more  danger 
of  being  shot  by  them  than  by  the  enemy ;  so  I 


120  IX     UNIFORM. 

spent  the  remainder  of  the  night  within  hailing 
distance  of  our  lines,  and  with  the  first  dawn  of 
morning  I  hoisted  the  well  known  signal  and  was 
welcomed  once  more  to  a  sight  of  the  dear  old 
stars  and  stripes. 

I  went  immediately  to  my  tent.  Mrs.  B.  was 
delighted  at  my  return ;  she  was  the  only  person 
in  camp  who  knew  me.  Jack  was  sent  to  the 
quartermaster's  with  an  order  for  a  new  suit  of 
soldier's  clothes.  When  he  saw  they  were  for  me, 
on  his  return,  he  said:  "Hi!  dat  darkie  tinks 
he's  some.  Guess  he  don't  cook  no  more  for  Massa 
Doct'r."  After  removing  as  much  of  the  color  as 
it  was  possible  for  soap  and  water  to  do,  my  com 
plexion  was  a  nice  maroon  color,  which  my  new 
costume  showed  off  to  good  advantage.  Had  my 
own  mother  seen  me  then,  it  would  have  been  dif 
ficult  to  convince  her  of  our  relationship.  I  made 
out  my  report  immediately  and  carried  it  to  Gen 
eral  McClellan's  headquarters,  together  with  my 
trophy  from  the  land  of  traitors.  I  saw  General 
G.  B.,  but  he  did  not  recognize  me,  and  ordered 
me  to  go  and  tell  A.  to  appear  before  him  in  an 
hour  from  that  time.  I  returned  again  to  my  tent, 
chalked  my  face,  and  dressed  in  the  same  style  as 
on  examination  day,  went  at  the  hour  appointed, 
and  received  the  hearty  congratulations  of  the 
General.  The  rifle  was  sent  to  Washington,  and 
is  now  in  the  capitol  as  a  memento  of  the  war. 

Do  my  friends  wish  to  know  how  I  felt  in  such 


NELLIE    AND    DR.     E.  121 

a  position  and  in  such  a  costume  ?  I  will  tell  them. 
I  felt  just  as  happy  and  as  comfortable  as  it  was 
possible  for  any  one  to  be  under  similar  circum 
stances.  I  am  naturally  fond  of  adventure,  a  lit 
tle  ambitious  and  a  good  deal  romantic,  and  this 
together  with  my  devotion  to  the  Federal  cause 
and  determination  to  assist  to  the  utmost  of  my 
ability  in  crushing  the  rebellion,  made  me  forget 
the  unpleasant  items,  and  not  only  endure,  but 
really  enjoy,  the  privations  connected  with  my 
perilous  positions.  Perhaps  a  spirit  of  adventure 
was  important — but  patriotism  was  the  grand  se 
cret  of  my  success. 

Being  fatigued,  and  the  palms  of  both  my  hands 
in  raw  flesh,  I  thought  it  best  to  wait  a  few  days 
before  setting  out  upon  another  adventure. 

While  I  was  thus  situated  I  made  a  point  of 
becoming  acquainted  with  Nellie,  my  rebel  cap 
tive.  She  was  trying  to  make  herself  useful  in  the 
hospital,  notwithstanding  her  hand  was  very  pain 
ful — often  waiting  upon  those  who  were  suffering 
less  than  she  was  herself.  Her  pale,  pensive  face 
and  widow's  weeds  seemed  to  possess  peculiar  ai> 
tractions  for  Doctor  E.,  and  her  hand  was  a  bond 
of  mutual  sympathy  between  them,  and  afforded 
many  pretexts  for  a  half  hour's  conversation. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

EVACUATION      OF      YORKTOWN OUR      ARMY      ON      THE       DOUBLE 

QUICK PURSUIT    OP   THE    FUGITIVES THE    ENEMY'S  WORKS 

A      BATTLE ON      THE     FIELD A     "  WOUNDED,"    AND     NOT    IN 
JURED     COLONEL CARRYING    THE     WOUNDED FORT      MAGRU- 

DER     SILENCED THE     VICTORY    WON BURYING     THE     DEAD 

STORY      OF     A     RING WOUNDED      REBELS A      BRAVE      YOUNG 

SERGEANT CHRISTIAN    SOLDIERS A     SOLDIER^    DEATH-BED 

CLOSING    SCENES LAST    WORDS. 

I 

THE  next  day  the  continuous  roar  of  cannon  all 
along  the  lines  of  the  enemy  was  kept  up  in 
cessantly.  "Nor  did  it  cease  at  night,  for  when 
darkness  settled  over  the  encampment,  from  the 
ramparts  that  stretched  away  from  Yorktown 
there  were  constant  gushes  of  flame,  while  the 
heavy  thunder  rolled  far  away  in  the  gloom."  A 
little  after  midnight  the  cannonading  ceased,  and 
a  strange  silence  rested  upon  hill  and  valley.  The 
first  dawn  of  day  which  broke  peacefully  over  the 
landscape  discovered  to  the  practiced  eye  of  Pro 
fessor  Lowe  that  the  entrenchments  of  the  enemy 
were  deserted;  the  rebels  had  abandoned  their 
stronghold  during  the  night  and  had  fled  toward 
Richmond. 

The  news  spread  throughout  the  Federal  army 
like  lightning ;  from  right  to  left  and  from  center 


PURSUIT    OF    THE    FUGITIVES.  123 

to  circumference  the  entire  encampment  was  one 
wild  scene  of  joy.  Music  and  cheering  were  the 
first  items  in  the  programme,  and  then  came  the 
following  order :  u  Commandants  of  regiments  will 
prepare  to  march  with  two  days'  rations,  with  the 
utmost  dispatch.  Leave,  not  to  return."  At  about 
eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  our  advance  guard 
entered  Yorktown.  There  were  nearly  one  hun 
dred  guns  of  different  kinds  and  calibers  and  a 
large  quantity  of  ammunition.  The  road  over 
which  the  fugitive  army  passed  during  the  night 
was  beat  up  into  mortar,  knee  deep,  and  was 
strewn  with  fragments  of  army  wagons,  tents  and 
baggage. 

The  Federal  troops  were  in  excellent  spirits, 
and  pushed  on  after  the  retreating  army  almost  on 
the  double  quick.  In  this  manner  they  kept  up 
the  pursuit  until  toward  evening,  when  the  caval 
ry  came  up  with  the  rear-guard  of  the  enemy 
about  two  miles  from  Williamsburg,  where  a  sharp 
skirmish  followed.  Night  came  on  and  firing 
ceased;  the  rebels  were  behind  their  entrench 
ments,  and  our  army  bivouaced  for  the  night. 
The  cavalry  and  artillery  forces  were  under  corn 
mand  of  General  Stoneman;  Generals  Heintzel- 
man,  Hooker  and  Smith  were  in  command  of  the 
advance  column  of  infantry,  while  Generals  Kear 
ney,  Couch  and  Casey  brought  up  the  rear. 

The  enemy's  works  were  four  miles  in  extent, 
nearly  three-fourths  of  their  front  being  covered  by 


124 


A    BATTLE. 


the  tributaries  of  Queen's  Creek  and  College  Creek. 
The  main  works  were  a  large  fortification,  called 
Fort  Magruder,  and  twelve  redoubts  for  field  guns. 
The  woods  around  and  inside  of  those  works  were 
felled,  and  the  ground  was  thickly  dotted  with 
rifle  pits.  The  battle  commenced  the  next  morn 
ing  at  half-past  seven  o'clock.  General  Hooker 
began  the  attack.  The  enemy  were  heavily  rein 
forced,  and  made  a  desperate  resistance.  Hooker 
lost  a  great  number  of  men  and  five  pieces  of  ar 
tillery  before  Kearney,  Couch  or  Casey  came  up. 
The  roads  were  a  perfect  sea  of  mud,  and  now  it 
was  raining  in  torrents.  The  roar  of  battle  sounded 
all  along  the  lines ;  the  thunder  of  cannon  and  the 
crash  of  musketry  reverberated  through  the  woods 
and  over  the  plain,  assuring  the  advancing  troops 
that  their  companions  were  engaged  in  deadly 
strife. 

The  thick  growth  of  heavy  timber  was  felled  in 
all  directions,  forming  a  splendid  ambush  for  the 
rebel  sharpshooters.  The  Federals  moved  forward 
in  the  direction  of  the  enemy's  works,  steadily, 
firmly,  through  ditch  and  swamp,  mud  and  mire, 
loading  and  firing  as  they  went,  and  from  every 
tree,  bush  and  covert,  which  could  conceal  a  man, 
the  rebels  poured  a  deadly  fire  into  the  ranks  of 
our  advancing  troops.  I  was  glad  now  that  I  had 
postponed  my  second  visit  to  the  enemy,  for  there 
was  plenty  of  work  for  me  to  do  here,  as  the 
ghastly  faces  of  the  wounded  and  dying  testified. 


A    HUMBUG    COLONEL. 


125 


I  was  subject  to  all  kinds  of  orders.  One  moment 
I  was  ordered  to  the  front  with  a  musket  in  my 
hands ;  the  next  to  mount  a  horse  and  carry  an 
order  to  some  general,  and  very  often  to  take  hold 
of  a  stretcher  with  some  strong  man  and  carry  the 
wounded  from  the  field. 

I  remember  one  little  incident  in  connection 
with  my  experience  that  day  which  I  shall  never 
forget,  viz. :  Colonel  -  -  fell,  and  I  ran  to  help 
put  him  on  a  stretcher  and  carry  him  to  a  place  of 
safety,  or  where  the  surgeons  were,  which  was 
more  than  I  was  able  to  do  without  overtaxing  my 
strength,  for  he  was  a  very  heavy  man.  A  poor 
little  stripling  of  a  soldier  and  myself  carried  him 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  through  a  terrific  storm 
of  bullets,  and  he  groaning  in  a  most  piteous  man 
ner.  We  laid  him  down  carefully  at  the  surgeon's 
feet,  and  raised  him  tenderly  from  the  stretcher, 
spread  a  blanket  and  laid  him  upon  it,  then  lin 
gered  just  a  moment  to  see  whether  the  wound 
was  mortal.  The  surgeon  commenced  to  examine 
the  case ;  there  was  no  blood  to  indicate  where 
the  wound  was,  and  the  poor  sufferer  was  in  such 
agony  that  he  could  not  tell  where  it  was.  So  the 
surgeon  examined  by  piecemeal  until  he  had  gone 
through  with  a  thorough  examination,  and  there 
was  not  even  a  scratch  to  be  seen.  Doctor  E. 
straightened  himself  up  and  said,  "  Colonel,  you 
are  not  wounded  at  all ;  you  had  better  let  these 
boys  carry  you  back  again."  The  Colonel  became 


126  CARRYING    THE    WOUNDED. 

indignant,  and  rose  to  his  feet  with  the  air  of  an 
insulted  hero  and  said:  "Doctor,  if  I  live  to  get 
out  of  this  battle  I'll  call  you  to  account  for  those 
words ;"  to  which  Doctor  E.  replied  with  decision, 
"  Sir,  if  you  are  not  with  your  regiment  in  fifteen 
minutes  I  shall  report  you  to  General  H." 

I  turned  and  left  the  spot  in  disgust,  mentally 
regretting  that  the  lead  or  steel  of  the  enemy  had 
not  entered  the  breast  of  one  who  seemed  so  am 
bitious  of  the  honor  without  the  eifect.  As  I  re 
turned  to  my  post  I  made  up  my  mind  in  future 
to  ascertain  whether  a  man  was  wounded  or  not 
before  I  did  anything  for  him.  The  next  I  came 
to  was  Captain  Wm.  R.  M.,  of  the  —  Michigan. 
His  leg  was  broken  and  shattered  from  the  ankle, 
to  the  knee.  As  we  went  to  lift  him  on  a  stretch 
er  he  said :  "  Just  carry  me  out  of  range  of  the 
guns,  and  then  go  back  and  look  after  the  boys. 

Me and  L.  have  fallen,  and  perhaps  they  are 

worse  off  than  I  am."  Oh  how  glad  I  was  to  hear 
those  words  from  his  lips.  It  confirmed  the  opin 
ion  I  had  formed  of  him  long  before ;  he  was  one 
of  my  first  acquaintances  in  the  army,  and,  though 
he  was  a  strict  disciplinarian,  I  had  watched  his 
Christian  deportment  and  kind  and  affectionate 
manner  toward  his  men  with  admiration  and  in 
terest.  I  believed  him  noble  and  brave,  and  those 
few  words  on  the  battle-field  at  such  a  moment 
spoke  volumes  for  that  faithful  captain's  heroism 
and  love  for  his  men. 


THE    VICTORY    WON.  127 

The  battle  was  raging  fiercely,  the  men  were 
almost  exhausted,  the  rebels  were  fighting  like 
demons,  and  were  driving  our  troops  back  step  by 
step,  while  the  space  between  the  two  lines  was 
literally  covered  with  dead  and  wounded  men  and 
horses.  One  tremendous  shout  from  the  Federals 
rent  the  air  and  fairly  shook  the  earth.  We  all 
knew  in  an  instant,  as  if  by  intuition,  what  called 
forth  such  wild  cheers  from  that  weary  and  almost 
overpowered  army.  "  Kearney!  "  was  shouted  en 
thusiastically  along  the  Federal  lines,  while  the 
fresh  troops  were  hurled  like  thunderbolts  upon 
the  foe.  One  battery  after  another  was  taken 
from  the  enemy,  and  charge  after  charge  was 
made  upon  their  works,  until  the  tide  of  battle 
was  turned,  Fort  Magruder  silenced,  and  the  stars 
and  stripes  were  floating  in  triumph  over  the  rebel 
works. 

The  battle  was  won,  and  victory  crowned  the 
Union  arms.  The  rebels  were  flying  precipitately 
from  the  field,  and  showers  of  bullets  thick  as  hail 
followed  the  retreating  fugitives.  Night  closed 
around  us,  and  a  darkness  which  almost  equaled 
that  of  "Egypt'7  settled  over  the  battle-field,  and 
the  pitiless  rain  came  down  in  torrents,  drenching 
alike  the  living  and  the  dead.  There  lay  upon 
that  crimson  field  two  thousand  two  hundred  and 
twenty-eight  of  our  own  men,  and  more  than  that 
number  of  the  enemy.  It  was  indescribably  sad 
to  see  our  weary,  exhausted  men,  with  torches, 


128  BURYING    THE    DEAD. 

wading  through  mud  to  their  knees  piloting  the 
ambulances  over  the  field,  lest  they  should  trample 
upon  the  bodies  of  their  fallen  comrades. 

All  night  long  we  toiled  in  this  manner,  and 
when  morning  came  still  there  were  hundreds 
found  upon  the  field.  Those  of  the  enemy  were 
found  in  heaps,  both  dead  and  wounded  piled  to 
gether  in  ravines,  among  the  felled  timber,  and  in 
rifle  pits  half  covered  with  mud.  Now  the  mourn 
ful  duty  came  of  identifying  and  burying  the 
dead.  Oh,  what  a  day  was  that  in  the  history  of 
my  life,  as  well  as  of  thousands  both  North  and 
South.  It  makes  me  shudder  now  while  I  recall 
its  scenes. 

To  see  those  fair  young  forms 

Crushed  by  the  war-horse  tread, 
The  dear  and  bleeding  ones 

Stretched  by  the  piled-up  dead. 

Oh,  war,  cruel  war !  Thou  dost  pierce  the  soul 
with  untold  sorrows,  as  well  as  thy  bleeding  vic 
tims  with  death.  How  many  joyous  hopes  and 
bright  prospects  hast  thou  blasted;  and  how 
many  hearts  and  homes  hast  thou  made  desolate ! 
"  As  we  think  of  the  great  wave  of  woe  and  mis 
ery  surging  over  the  land,  we  could  cry  out  in 
very  bitterness  of  soul — Oh  God !  how  long,  how 
long!" 

The  dead  lay  in  long  rows  on  the  field,  their 
ghastly  faces  hid  from  view  by  handkerchiefs  or 
the  capes  of  their  overcoats,  while  the  faithful  sol- 


STORY     OF     A     RING.  129 

diers  were  digging  trenches  in  which  to  bury  the 
mangled  bodies  of  the  slain.  I  passed  along  the 
entire  line  and  uncovered  every  face,  in  search  of 
one  who  had  given  me  a  small  package  the  day 
before  when  going  into  battle,  telling  me  that  if 
he  should  be  killed  to  send  it  home ;  and,  said  he, 
"  here  is  a  ring  on  my  finger  which  I  want  you  to 

send  to .     It  has  never  been  off  my  finger 

since  she  placed  it  there  the  morning  I  started  for 
Washington.  If  I  am  killed  please  take  it  off  and 
send  it  to  her."  I  was  now  in  search  of  him,  but 
could  find  nothing  of  the  missing  one.  At  last  I 
saw  a  group  of  men  nearly  half  a  mile  distant,  who 
also  seemed  to  be  engaged  in  burying  the  dead. 
I  made  my  way  toward  them  as  fast  as  I  could, 
but  when  I  reached  them  the  bodies  had  all  been 
lowered  into  the  trench,  and  they  were  already 
filling  it  up. 

I  begged  them  to  let  me  go  down  and  see  if 
my  friend  was  among  the  dead,  to  which  the  kind 
hearted  boys  consented.  His  body  lay  there  par 
tially  covered  with  earth ;  I  uncovered  his  face ; 
he  was  so  changed  I  should  not  have  recognized 
him,  but  the  ring  told  me  that  it  was  he.  I  tried 
with  all  my  might  to  remove  the  ring,  but  could 
not.  The  fingers  were  so  swollen  that  it  was  im 
possible  to  get  it  off.  In  life  it  was  a  pledge  of 
faithfulness  from  one  he  loved,  "and  in  death  they 
Were  not  divided." 

The  dead  having  been  buried  and  the  wounded 


130  WOUNDED     REBELS. 

removed  to  the  churches  and  college  buildings  in 
Williamsburg,  the  fatigued  troops  sought  repose. 
Upon  visiting  the  wounded  rebels  I  saw  several 
whom  I  had  met  in  Yorktown,  among  them  the 
sergeant  of  the  picket  post  who  had  given  me  a 
friendly  shake  and  told  me  if  I  slept  on  my  post 
he  would  shoot  me  like  a  dog.  He  was  pretty 
badly  wounded,  and  did  not  seem  to  remember 
me.  A  little  farther  on  a  young  darkie  lay  groan 
ing  upon  the  floor.  I  went  to  look  at  him,  and 
asked  if  I  could  do  anything  for  him.  I  recog 
nized  in  the  distorted  face  before  me  the  same 
darkie  who  had  befriended  me  at  Yorktown,  and 
to  whom  I  had  offered  the  five  dollar  greenback. 
I  assure  my  friends  that  I  repaid  that  boy's  kind 
ness  with  double  interest ;  I  told  Doctor  E.  what 
he  had  done  for  me  when  my  "hands"  turned 
traitors.  He  was  made  an  especial  object  of  inter 
est  and  care. 

Some  few  of  the  rebel  prisoners  were  gentle 
manly  and  intelligent,  and  their  countenances  be 
tokened  a  high  state  of  moral  culture.  Many  were 
low,  insolent,  bloodthirsty  creatures,  who  "neither 
feared  God  nor  regarded  man ; "  while  others 
there  were  who  seemed  not  to  know  enough  to  be 
either  one  thing  or  the  other,  but  were  simply 
living,  breathing  animals,  subject  to  any  order, 
and  who  would  just  as  soon  retreat  as  advance,  so 
long  as  they  did  not  have  to  fight.  They  did  not 
care  which  way  the  battle  went.  On  the  whole 


A    BRAVE    SERGEANT.  131 

there  was  a  vast  contrast  between  the  northern 
and  southern  soldiers  as  they  appeared  in  the  hos 
pitals,  but  perhaps  prejudice  had  something  to  do 
in  making  the  rebels  appear  so  much  inferior  to 
our  men. 

In  passing  through  the  college  bailding  I  no 
ticed  a  young  sergeant,  a  mere  boy,  who  was  shot 
in  the  temple.  He  attracted  my  attention,  and  I 
made  some  inquiry  concerning  him.  He  was  a 
Federal,  and  belonged  to  the  -  -  Massachusetts 
regiment.  An  old  soldier  sitting  by  him  told  me 
the  following:  "That  boy  is  not  sixteen  yet;  he 
enlisted  as  a  private,  and  has,  by  his  bravery  and 
good  conduct,  earned  the  three  stripes  which  you 
see  on  his  arm.  He  fought  all  day  yesterday  like 
a  young  lion,  leading  charges  again  and  again 
upon  the  enemy.  After  we  lost  our  captain  and 
lieutenants  he  took  command  of  the  company,  and 
led  it  through  the  battle  with  the  skill  and  cour 
age  of  a  young  brigadier,  until  he  fell  stunned  and 
bleeding.  I  carried  him  off  the  field,  but  could 
not  tell  whether  he  was  dead  or  alive.  I  washed 
the  blood  from  his  face ;  the  cold  water  had  a  sal 
utary  effect  upon  him,  for  when  Hancock  and 
Kearney  had  completed  their  work,  and  the 
cheers  of  victory  rang  over  the  bloody  field,  he 
was  sufficiently  revived  to  hear  the  inspiring  tones 
of  triumph.  Leaping  to  his  feet,  faint  and  sick  as 
he  was,  he  took  up  the  shout  of  victory  in  unison 
with  the  conquerers  on  the  field.  But  he  had 


132  CHRISTIAN    SOLDIERS. 

scarcely  uttered  the  notes  of  victory  and  glory 
when  his  strength  deserted  him  and  he  fell  insen 
sible  to  the  ground."  The  old  man  added :  "  Gen 
eral  -  -  says  if  he  lives  through  this  he  will  go 
into  the  next  battle  with  shoulder  straps  on."  I 
went  up  to  him,  took  his  feverish  hand,  and  told 
him  that  I  was  glad  that  his  wound  was  not  mor 
tal.  He  thanked  me,  and  said  with  enthusiasm, 
"I  would  rather  have  been  killed  than  to  have  lost 
the  battle. 

There  is  one  thing  that  I  have  noticed  on  the 
field  in  every  battle  that  I  have  witnessed,  viz. : 
that  the  Christian  man  is  the  best  soldier.  Says  a 
minister  of  the  Gospel,  writing  upon  this  subject: 
"  It  is  a  common  saying  among  the  officers  that,  as 
a  class,  the  men  who  stand  foremost  when  the  bat 
tle  rages  are  the  Christian  men.  Many  a  time  I 
have  talked  with  them  about  such  scenes,  and 
they  have  told  me  that  their  souls  have  stood 
firm  in  that  hour  of  strife,  and  that  they  have  been 
perfectly  calm.  I  have  had  Christian  generals  tell 
me  this.  I  have  heard  General  Howard  often  say 
that  in  the  midst  of  the  most  terrific  portion  of  the 
battle,  when  his  heart  for  a  moment  quailed,  he 
would  pause,  and  lift  up  his  soul  to  God  and  re 
ceive  strength.  "And,"  said  he,  "I  have  gone 
through  battles  without  a  particle  of  fear.  I  have 
thought  that  God  sent  me  to  defend  my  country. 
I  believed  it  was  a  Christian  duty  to  stand  in  the 
foremost  of  the  fight,  and  why  should  I  be  afraid  ?" 


A  SOLDIER'S   DEATH-BED.  133 

I  once  heard  an  eminently  pious  lady  say  that 
she  never  could  reconcile  the  idea  in  her  mind  of 
a  Christian  going  into  the  army  to  fight ;  it  was  so 
inconsistent  with  the  Christian  character  that  she 
was  tempted  to  doubt  the  piety  of  all  fighting 
men.  I  respect  the  lady's  views  upon  the  sub 
ject,  but  beg  leave  to  differ  from  her ;  for  I  be 
lieve  that  a  man  can  serve  God  just  as  acceptably 
in  fighting  the  enemies  of  liberty,  truth  and  right 
eousness  with  the  musket  down  South,  as  he  can 
in  the  quiet  pulpits  of  the  North ;  in  fact  I  am  in 
clined  to  think  he  can  do  so  a  little  more  effectu 
ally  in  the  former  place.  I  only  wish  that  there 
were  more  of  our  holy  men  willing  to  take  up  the 
carnal  weapons  of  warfare,  forego  the  luxuries  of 
home,  and,  by  setting  examples  worthy  of  emula 
tion,  both  in  camp  and  on  the  battle  field,  thus 
strike  a  fatal  blow  at  this  unholy  rebellion. 

The  last  night  I  spent  in  the  hospital  before 
leaving  Williamsburg,  I  witnessed  the  death  of  a 
Christian  soldier,  a  perfect  description  of  which  I 
find  in  the  " Memorials  of  the  War:"  "It  was  the 
hour  of  midnight,  when  the  chaplain  was  sum 
moned  to  the  cot  of  a  wounded  soldier.  He  had 
only  left  him  an  hour  before,  with  confident  hopes 
of  his  speedy  recovery — hopes  which  were  shared 
by  the  surgeon  and  the  wounded  man  himself. 
But  a  sudden  change  had  taken  place,  and  the  sur 
geon  had  come  to  say  that  the  man  could  live  but 
an  hour  or  two  at  most,  and  to  beg  the  chaplain 


134  CLOSING    SCENES. 

to  make  the  announcement  to  the  dying  man.  He 
was  soon  at  his  side,  but  overpowered  by  his  emo 
tions,  was  utterly  unable  to  deliver  his  message. 
The  dying  man,  however,  quickly  read  the  solemn 
truth  in  the  altered  looks  of  the  chaplain,  his  fal 
tering  voice  and  ambiguous  words.  He  had  not 
before  entertained  a  doubt  of  his  recovery.  He 
was  expecting  soon  to  see  his  mother,  and  with 
her  kind  nursing  soon  to  be  well.  He  was  there 
fore  entirely  unprepared  for  the  announcement, 
and  at  first  it  was  overwhelming. 

utl  am  to  die  then;  and — how  long?'  As  he 
had  before  expressed  hope  in  Christ,  the  chaplain 
replied :  '  You  have  made  your  peace  with  God ; 
let  death  come  as  soon  as  it  will,  He  will  carry 
you  safely  over  the  river.7  cYes;  but  this  is  so 
awfully  sudden,  awfully  sudden ! '  His  lips  quiv 
ered  ;  he  looked  up  grievingly :  cAnd  I  shall  not 
see  my  mother.'  '  Christ  is  better  than  a  moth 
er,'  murmured  the  chaplain.  'Yes.'  The  word 
came  in  a  whisper.  His  eyes  were  closed;  the 
lips  still  wore  that  trembling  grief,  as  if  the  chas 
tisement  were  too  sore,  too  hard  to  be  borne ;  but 
as  the  minutes  passed,  and  the  soul  lifted  itself  up 
stronger  and  more  steadily  upon  the  wings  of 
prayer,  the  countenance  grew  calmer,  the  lips 
steadier,  and  when  the  eyes  opened  again  there 
was  a  light  in  their  depths  that  could  have  come 
only  from  heaven. 

"  4I  thank  you  for  your  courage,'  he  said  more 


LAST    WORDS.  135 

feebly,  taking  the  chaplain's  hand ;  '  the  bitterness 
is  over  now,  and  I  feel  willing  to  die.  Tell  my 
mother' — he  paused,  gave  one  sob,  dry,  and  full  of 
the  last  anguish  of  earth — l  tell  her  how  I  longed 
to  see  her ;  but  if  God  will  permit  me  I  will  be 
near  her.  Tell  her  to  comfort  all  who  loved  me ; 
to  say  that  I  thought  of  them  /ill.  Tell  my  father 
that  I  am  glad  that  he  gave  his  consent.  Tell  my 
minister,  by  word  or  letter,  that  I  thought  of  him, 
and  that  I  thank  him  for  all  his  counsels.  Tell 
him  I  find  that  Christ  will  not  desert  the  passing 
soul,  and  that  I  wish  him  to  give  my  testimony  to 
the  living,  that  nothing  is  of  real  worth  but  the 
religion  of  Jesus;  and  now,  will  you  pray  with 
me?'  With  swelling  emotion  and  tender  tones 
the  chaplain  besought  God's  grace  and  presence ; 
then,  restraining  his  sobs,  he  bowed  down  and 
pressed  upon  the  beautiful  brow,  already  chilled 
with  the  breath  of  the  coming  angel,  twice,  thrice, 
a  fervent  kiss.  They  might  have  been  as  tokens 
from  the  father  and  mother,  as  well  as  for  himself. 
u  So  thought,  perhaps,  the  dying  soldier,  for  a 
heavenly  smile  touched  his  face  with  new  beauty, 
as  he  said,  l  Thank  you ;  I  won't  trouble  you  any 
longer.  You  are  wearied  out ;  go  to  your  rest.' 
4  The  Lord  God  be  with  you ! '  was  the  firm  res 
ponse.  'Amen,7  trembled  from  the  fast  whitening 
lips.  Another  hour  passed,  still  the  chaplain  did 
not  go  to  rest,  but  retired  to  an  adjoining  room ; 
he  was  about  to  return  to  the  bedside  of  the  dying 


136  TELL    MY    MOTHER. 

when  the  surgeon  met  him  and  whispered  softly, 
'He  is  gone.'  Christ's  soldier  had  found  the  cap 
tain  of  his  salvation,  and  received  his  reward." 

.Tell  my  mother,  when  you  see  her, 

That  I  fell  amid  the  strife; 
And  for  freedom  and  my  country 

I  have  given  up  my  life  ; 
Tell  her  that  I  sent  this  message 

Ere  my  tongue  refused  to  speak, 
And  you  tell  her,  comrade,  won't  you  ? 

Tell  my  mother  not  to  weep. 

Tell  her,  comrade,  how  we  battled 

For  our  country  and  the  right  j 
How  I  held  the  starry  banner 

In  the  thickest  of  the  fight ; 
Tell  her  how  they  struggled  for  it, 

And,  with  curses  loud  and  deep, 
Took  my  bosom  for  their  target — 

But  tell  her  not  to  weep. 

Tell  her  I  held  up  the  banner 

'Mid  the  screaming  shot  and  shell, 
Till  the  fatal  leaden  missile 

Pierced  my  side,  and  then  I  fell. 
Tell  her  I  was  ready,  waiting, 

When  my  pulses  ceased  to  beat, 
And  I  longed  once  more  to  see  her — 

But  you  tell  her  not  to  weep. 

Tell  her  that  the  truths  she  taught  me 
Nerved  my  arm  and  led  my  feet, 

And  I  trusted  in  the  promise 
'Mid  the  battle's  fiercest  heat. 

Tell  her,  while  my  life  was  ebbing, 
That  I  kissed  her  face  so  sweet — 

Kissed  the  picture  that  she  gave  me— 
And  you  tell  her  not  to  weep. 


CALL    FOR    REINFORCEMENTS.         137 

Tell  her,  comrade,  when  you  see  her, 

That  my  battlefields  are  o'er, 
And  I've  gone  to  join  an  army 

Where  rebellion  comes  no  more ; 
Tell  her  that  I  hope  to  greet  her, 

When  together  we  shall  meet, 
In  that  better  home  in  heaven, 

Where  we  never  more  shall  weep. 


CHAPTER  X. 


FORCEMENTS NEWS     FROM     NORFOLK DESCRIPTION     OF    THE 

MERRIMAC THE    ENGAGEMENT    IN    HAMPTON   ROADS FIRST 

AND  LAST  FIGHT  OF  THE  MERRIMAC VICTORY  OF  THE  MONI 
TOR ADVANCE    ON   THE    PENINSULA THE  BATTLE  SONG A 

MUDDY  MARCH ON  THE  CHICKAHOMINY CRITICAL  POSITION 

OF    GENERAL    BANKS THE    PRESIDENT'S    DESPATCHES MC- 

CLELLAN'S  REPLY. 

ON  the  tenth  of  May  headquarters  were  estab 
lished  beyond  Williamsburg,  and  communica 
tions  were  opened  between  the  forces  moving  by 
land  and  water.  The  following  despatch  was 
then  sent  by  General  McClellan  to  Secretary 
Stanton : 

"  CAMP  AT  EWELL'S  FARM,      } 

"  Three  miles  beyond  Williamsburg,  >• 

'May  10 th — 5  a.  m.      ) 

"  From  the  information  reaching  me  from  every 
source,  I  regard  it  as  certain  that  the  enemy  will 
meet  us  with  all  his  force  on  or  near  the  Chicka- 
hominy.  They  can  concentrate  many  more  men 


138    MCCLELLAN'S  DESPATCH. 

than  I  have,  and  are  collecting  troops  from  all 
quarters,  especially  well  disciplined  troops  from 
the  South.  Casualties,  sickness,  garrisons  and 
guards  have  much  reduced  our  numbers,  and  will 
continue  to  do  so.  I  shall  fight  the  rebel  army 
with  whatever  force  I  may  have,  but  duty  re 
quires  me  to  urge  that  every  effort  be  made  to 
reinforce  me,  without  delay,  with  all  the  disposa 
ble  troops  in  Eastern  Virginia,  and  that  we  con 
centrate  all  our  forces,  as  far  as  possible,  to  fight 
the  great  battle  now  impending,  and  to  make  it 
decisive.  It  is  possible  that  the  enemy  may  aban 
don  Richmond  without  a  serious  struggle,  but  I 
do  not  believe  he  will ;  and  it  would  be  unwise  to 
count  upon  anything  but  a  stubborn  and  desperate 
defense — a  life  and  death  contest.  I  see  no  other 
hope  for  him  than  to  fight  this  battle,  and  we  must 
win  it.  I  shall  fight  them  whatever  their  force 
may  be ;  but  I  ask  for  every  man  that  the  depart 
ment  can  send  me.  No  troops  should  now  be  left 
unemployed.  Those  who  entertain  the  opinion 
that  the  rebels  will  abandon  Richmond  without  a 
struggle  are,  in  my  judgment,  badly  advised,  and 
do  not  comprehend  their  situation,  which  is  one 
requiring  desperate  measures.  I  beg  that  the 
President  and  Secretary  will  maturely  weigh  what 
I  say,  and  leave  nothing  undone  to  comply  with 
my  request.  If  I  am  not  reinforced  it  is  probable 
that  I  will  be  obliged  to  fight  nearly  double  my 
numbers  strongly  entrenched." 


NEWS     FROM     NORFOLK.  139 

Four  days  later  lie  writes : 

"  I  will  fight  the  enemy,  whatever  their  force 
may  be,  with  whatever  force  I  may  have,  and  I 
believe  that  we  shall  beat  them ;  but  our  triumph 
should  be  made  decisive  and  complete.  The  soldiers 
of  this  army  love  their  Government,  and  will  fight 
well  in  its  support.  You  may  rely  upon  them. 
They  have  confidence  in  me  as  their  general,  and 
in  you  as  their  President.  Strong  reinforcements 
will  at  least  save  the  lives  of  many  of  them ;  the 
greater  our  force  the  more  perfect  will  be  our  com 
binations,  and  the  less  our  loss.  For  obvious  rea 
sons  I  beg  you  to  give  immediate  consideration  to 
this  communication,  and  to  inform  me  fully,  at  the 
earliest  moment,  of  your  final  decision." 

A  few  days7  rest  after  the  fatigues  of  the  battle, 
and  the  glorious  news  of  the  evacuation  of  Nor 
folk  and  the  total  annihilation  of  the  Merrimac, 
had  a  wonderful  effect  upon  the  spirits  of  our 
troops ;  they  seemed  inspired  with  new  courage 
and  enthusiasm.  Hitherto  I  have  said  nothing 
concerning  that  great  bugbear,  the  Merrimac. 
Perhaps  some  of  my  "  blue-nose"  readers  are  not 
so  well  posted  with  regard  to  the  origin  and 
structure  of  this  formidable  rebel  battery  as  the 
Americans  are,  and  it  may  be  interesting  to  some 
to  listen  to  a  brief  description  of  it. 

uUpon  the  burning  and  evacuation  of  the  Nor 
folk  Navy  Yard  the  steam  frigate  Merrimac  was 
scuttled  and  sunk,  by  order  of  Commodore  Ma- 


140  THE    MEBRIMAC. 

caulay.  This  was  one  of  the  most  magnificent 
ships  in  the  American  navy,  being  rated  as  a  forty- 
gun  frigate,  of  four  thousand  tons  burden.  She 
Was  built  in  Charlestown,  Massachusetts,  in  1856, 
and  was  considered  one  of  the  finest  specimens  of 
naval  architecture  then  afloat.  She  was  two  hun 
dred  and  eighty-one  feet  long,  fifty- two  feet  broad, 
and  drew  twenty-three  feet  of  water.  Her  en 
gines  were  of  eight  hundred  horse  power,  driving 
a  two-bladed  propeller  fourteen  feet  in  diameter, 
and  so  adjusted  as  to  be  raised  from  the  water 
when  the  vessel  was  driven  by  wind  alone.  Her 
armament  consisted  of  twenty-four  nine-inch  shell 
guns,  fourteen  eight-inch,  and  two  one  hundred- 
pound  pivot  guns.  This  magnificent  structure 
was  raised  by  the  rebels  and  cut  down,  leaving 
only  the  hull,  which  was  exceedingly  massive  and 
solid.  Over  this  they  constructed  a  sloping  shield 
of  railroad  iron,  firmly  plaited  together,  and  ex 
tending  two  feet  under  the  water.  Its  appearance 
was  much  like  the  slanting  roof  of  a  house  set  upon 
a  ship's  hull,  like  an  extinguisher,  the  ends  of  the 
vessel,  fore  and  aft,  projecting  a  few  feet  beyond 
this  roof.  The  gun-deck  was  completely  inclosed 
by  this  shield,  and  nothing  appeared  above  it  but 
a  short  smoke-stack  and  two  flag-staffs." 

An  eye  witness  gives  the  following  account  of 
the  first  appearance  and  conflict  of  the  Merrimac : 
"About  noon  of  Saturday,  the  eighth  of  March, 
1862,  this  monster  was  seen  coming  around  Cra- 


THE     ENGAGEMENT.  141 

ney  Island  from  Norfolk,  accompanied  by  two 
other  war  vessels,  the  Jamestown  and  Yorktown, 
and  quite  a  little  fleet  of  armed  tugs.  The  Merri- 
mac,  with  her  imposing  retinue  in  train,  headed 
for  Newport  News,  where  there  was  a  national 
garrison,  guarded  by  the  sailing  frigates  the  Cum 
berland,  of  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
twenty-six  tons,  and  the  Congress,  of  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  sixty-seven  tons  burden.  The 
Merrimac  steamed  majestically  along,  as  if  con 
scious  of  resistless  strength,  and  as  she  passed  the 
Congress  discharged  a  single  broadside  into  the 
doomed  ship,  and  then,  leaving  her  to  the  atten 
tion  of  the  Jamestown  and  Yorktown,  made  di 
rectly  for  the  Cumberland.  When  the  Merrimac 
was  within  a  hundred  yards  of  the  two  frigates, 
they  both  discharged  their  tremendous  broadsides 
against  her  armor. 

"  The  mailed  monster  quivered  a  moment  under 
the  fearful  concussion,  but  every  ball  glanced  from 
her  sloping  shield  like  the  wooden  arrows  of  the 
Indian  from  the  hide  of  the  crocodile.  Her  ports 
were  all  closed.  Not  deigning  to  pay  any  atten 
tion  to  the  fierce  but  harmless  assault  of  the  two 
frigates,  she  rushed  straight  forward  upon  her 
prey.  The  formidable  national  battery  at  New 
port  News  opened,  with  all  its  immense  guns,  at 
point-blank  range,  and  these  solid  shot  and  shells 
also  glanced  harmlessly  away.  On  rushed  the  si 
lent  Merrimac,  with  not  a  soul  on  board  to  be 


142  FIGHT    OF     THE    MERRIMAC. 

seen,  true  as  an  arrow,  and  with  all  the  power  of 
her  irresistible  weight,  plunged  headlong  with  a 
fearful  crash  into  the  side  of  the  helpless  frigate. 
The  iron  prow  of  the  assailant  struck  the  Cumber 
land  amidships,  crushing  in  her  side  with  a  mortal 
gash.  Then,  reversing  her  engine,  and  not  even 
annoyed  by  the  cannon  balls  rattling  against  her 
impervious  mail,  she  retraced  her  steps  a  few  rods 
for  another  butt. 

"As  she  drew  back  she  turned  her  broadside  to 
the  wounded  victim,  and  hurled  into  her  bosom  a 
merciless  volley  of  shot  and  shells.  The  ponder 
ous  missiles  tore  through  the  crowded  ship,  hurling 
her  massive  guns  about  her  decks,  and  scattering 
mutilated  bodies  in  all  directions.  Again  gather 
ing  headway,  she  crowded  on  all  steam  and  made 
another  plunge  at  the  Cumberland.  She  struck 
directly  upon  the  former  wound,  and  crushed  in 
the  whole  side  of  the  ship  as  if  it  had  been  a  lat 
tice  work  of  laths. 

"  Timbers  as  strong  as  nature  and  art  could 
make  them,  were  snapped  and  crushed  like  dry 
twigs.  As  the  sun  went  down,  that  night,  over 
Hampton  Roads,  every  Union  heart  in  the  fleet 
and  in  the  fortress  throbbed  with  despair.  There 
was  no  gleam  of  hope.  The  Merrimac  was  im 
pervious  to  balls,  and  could  go  where  she  pleased. 
In  the  morning  it  would  be  easy  work  for  her  to 
destroy  our  whole  fleet.  She  could  then  shell 
Newport  News  and  Fortress  Monroe  at  her  leisure, 


THE    MONITOR    VICTORIOUS.  143 

setting  everything  combustible  in  flames,  and  driv 
ing  every  man  from  the  guns. 

" '  That  morrow !  How  anxiously  we  waited  for 
it !  how  much  we  feared  its  results !  At  sundown 
there  was  nothing  to  dispute  the  empire  of  the 
seas  with  the  Merrimac,  and  had  a  land  attack 
been  made  by  Magruder  then,  God  only  knows 
what  our  fate  would  have  been.'  All  at  once  a 
speck  of  light  gleamed  on  the  distant  wave ;  it 
moved ;  it  came  nearer  and  nearer,  and  at  ten 
o'clock  that  night  the  Monitor  appeared.  '  When 
the  tale  of  brick  is  doubled,  Moses  comes.'  I 
never  more  firmly  believed  in  special  providences 
than  at  thai  hour.  Even  skeptics  were  converted, 
and  said,  c  God  has  sent  her.'  But  how  insignifi 
cant  she  looked ;  she  was  but  a  speck  on  the  dark 
blue  wave  at  night,  and  almost  a  laughable  object 
by  day.  The  enemy  call  her  a  l  cheese-box  on  a 
raft,'  and  the  comparison  is  a  good  one."  But  in 
significant  as  she  appeared,  she  saved  the  Union 
fleet,  silenced  the  rebel  monster,  and  eventually 
caused  her  to  commit  suicide.  No  wonder  then 
that  the  news  of  the  death  of  this  formidable  foe 
caused  great  rejoicing  among  the  Union  troops. 

Orders  were  issued  to  continue  the  advance  up 
the  Peninsula ;  and  as  the  jubilant  troops  were 
engaged  in  striking  tents  and  making  the  neces 
sary  preparations  consequent  upon  a  hurried 
march,  "  The  Battle  Song  of  the  Republic  "  was 
being  sung  with  enthusiasm  throughout  the  en- 


144  THE    BATTLE    SONG. 

campment  by  thousands  of  manly  voices,  and 
every  loyal  heart  seemed  inspired  by  the  glorious 
sentiments  which  it  contained. 

Mine  eyes  have  seen  the  glory  of  the  coming  of  the  Lord ; 

He  is  trampling  out  the  vintage  where  the  grape  of  wrath  is  stored; 

He  hath  loosed  the  fateful  lightning  of  his  terrible  swift  sword ; 

His  truth  is  marching  on. 
CHORUS— Glory,  glory,  hallelujah  I 
Glory,  gloiy,  hallelujah  I 
Glory,  glory,  hallelujah! 
His  truth  is  marching  on. 

I  have  seen  him  in  the  watch-fires  of  a  hundred  circling  camps; 
They  have  builded  Him  an  altar  in  the  evening's  dews  and  damps; 
I  can  read  his  righteous  sentence  by  the  dim  and  flaming  lamps; 

His  day  is  marching  on,  etc. 

I  have  read  a  fiery  gospel  writ  in  burnished  rows  of  steel : 
As  ye  deal  with  my  contemners,  so  with  you  my  grace  shall  deal ; 
Let  the  Hero,  born  of  woman,  crush  the  serpent  with  his  heel, 
«  Since  God  is  marching  on,  etc. 

He  has  sounded  forth  the  trumpet  that  shall  never  call  retreat; 
He  is  sifting  out  the  hearts  of  men  before  his  judgment  seat; 
0,  be  swift,  my  soul,  to  answer  Hun !  be  jubilant,  my  feet ! 

Our  God  is  marching  on,  etc. 

In  the  beauty  of  the  lilies  Christ  was  born  across  the  sea, 
With  a  glory  in  his  bosom  that  transfigures  you  and  me : 
As  he  died  to  make  men  holy,  let  us  die  to  make  men  free, 

While  God  is  marching  on,  etc. 

The  roads  were  so  indescribably  bad  at  this 
time  that  the  army  could  make  but  little  progress. 
I  remember  it  required  thirty-six  hours  for  one 
train  to  accomplish  the  distance  of  five  miles. 
However,  after  several  days  wading  through  mud 
and  water,  the  troops  reached  the  White  House, 


ON     THE     CHICKAHOMINY.  145 

where  a  portion  of  the  army  remained  for  a  time, 
while  the  advance  guards  pushed  on  to  the  Chick- 
ahominy  River,  and  established  headquarters  at 
Bottom's  Bridge — its  further  progress  being  im 
peded  by  the  destruction  of  the  bridge  by  the 
rebels. 

"The  position  of  the  troops  were  as  follows 
Stoneman's  advance-guard  one  mile  from  New 
Bridge;  Franklin's  corps  three  miles  from  New 
Bridge,  with  Porter's  corps  in  advancing  distance 
in  its  rear ;  Simmer's  corps  on  the  railroad,  about 
three  miles  from  the  Chickahominy,  connecting 
the  right  with  the  left ;  Keyes'  on  New  Kent  road, 
near  Bottom's  Bridge,  with  Heintzelman's  corps 
at  supporting  distance  in  its  rear."  The  ford  was 
in  possession  of  the  federal  troops,  and  a  recon 
struction  of  the  bridge  was  immediately  com 
menced. . 

On  the  24th  of  May  the  two  following  despatches 
were  received  by  Gen.  McClellan  from  the  Presi 
dent  :  "  I  wish  you  to  move  cautiously  and  safely. 
You  will  have  command  of  McDowell  precisely  as 
you  indicated  in  your  despatch  to  us." 

"  In  consequence  of  Gen.  Banks'  critical  posi 
tion,  I  have  been  compelled  to  suspend  Gen. 
McDowell's  movement  to  join  you.  The  enemy 
are  making  a  desperate  push  upon  Harper's  Ferry, 
and  we  are  trying  to  throw  Gen.  Fremont's  force, 
and  part  of  Gen.  McDowell's,  in  their  rear !  " 

On  the  25th,  the  President  also  sent  the  follow 
10 


146      THE  PRESIDENT'S  DESPATCHES. 

ing  to  McClellan:  "The  enemy  is  moving  north 
in  sufficient  force  to  drive  Gen.  Banks  before  him ; 
precisely  in  what  force  we  cannot  tell.  He  is  also 
threatening  Leesburg  and  Geary  on  the  Manassas 
Gap  Railroad,  from  north  and  south ;  I  think  the 
movement  is  a  general  and  concerted  one — such 
as  would  not  be  if  he  was  acting  upon  the  purpose 
of  a  very  desperate  defense  of  Richmond.  I  think 
the  time  is  near  when  you  must  either  attack 
Richmond  or  give  up  the  job,  and  come  to  the 
defense  of  Washington.  Let  me  hear  from  you 
instantly." 

To  which  McClellan  replied :  "  Telegram  re 
ceived.  Independently  of  it,  the  time  is  very  near 
when  I  shall  attack  Richmond.  The  object  of  the 
movement  is  probably  to  prevent  reinforcements 
being  sent  to  me.  All  the  information  obtained 
agree  in  the  statement  that  the  mass  of  the  rebel 
troops  are  still  in  the  vicinity  of  Richmond.  I 
have  no  knowledge  of  Banks1  position  and  force, 
nor  what  there  is  at  Manassas ;  therefore  cannot 
form  a  definite  opinion  as  to  the  forces  against 
him.  I  have  two  corps  across  Chickahominy, 
within  six  miles  of  Richmond ;  the  others  on  this 
aide  at  other  crossings,  within  same  distance,  and 
ready  to  cross  when  bridges  are  completed." 


CHAPTER  XL 

ANOTHER    DISGUISE 1    BECOME  AN    IRISH  PEDDLER FEVER  AND 

AGUE A   NIGHT    OF    SUFFERING    IN    THE    SWAMP RETROSPEC 
TION LOST    IN     THE    SWAMP CANNON     MY     GUIDES A    SICK 

REBEL 1     FIND     SOMETHING     TO     EAT MY     NEW     PATIENT 

SYMPATHY    FOR    SUFFERING TALK    WITH    A    DYING     REBEL 

A    WILLING    DETENTION EXTEMPORIZING    A    LIGHT THE    LAST 

HOUR SOLDIERS    OF    CHRIST THE    CHAMBER    OF    DEATH. 

WHILE  all  these  preparations  were  going  for- 
ward,  I  was  meditating  another  visit  to  the 
rebel  camp.  It  was  not  safe  for  me  to  attempt  to 
palm  myself  off  again  on  the  rebels  as  a  colored 
boy.  In  the  first  place,  I  should  be  in  danger  of 
being  recognized  as  the  cowardly  picket  who  de« 
serted  his  post — a  crime  worthy  of  death ;  and  in 
the  next  place,  I  should  be  in  imminent  danger 
of  blistering  my  hands  .again — a  thing  which  I  felt 
particularly  anxious  to  avoid,  especially  in  per 
forming  labor  that  would  enable  the  enemy  more 
successfully  to  repel  the  attacks  of  the  Federals. 
Now  a  new  disguise  was  necessary,  and  I  decided 
to  abandon  the  African  relation,  and  assume  that 
of  the  Hibernian.  Having  had  this  in  view  before 
leaving  Williamsburg,  I  procured  the  dress  and 
outfit  of  an  Irish  female  peddler,  following  the 
army,  selling  cakes,  pies,  etc.,  together  with  a 


148  ANOTHER     DISGUISE. 

considerable  amount  of  brogue,  and  a  set  of  Irish 
phrases,  which  did  much  toward  characterizing 
me  as  one  of  the  u  rale  ould  stock  of  bog-trotters." 

The  bridges  were  not  finished  across  the  Chick- 
ahominy  when  I  was  ready  to  cross  the  river,  so  I 
packed  up  my  new  disguise  in  my  cake  and  pie 
basket,  and  my  horse,  "  Frank,"  and  I  took  a  bath 
111  the  cool  water  of  the  Chickahominy.  After 
swimming  my  noble  steed  across  the  river,  I  dis 
mounted,  and  led  him  to  the  edge  of  the  water — • 
gave  him  a  farewell  pat,  and  let  him  swim  back 
again  to  the  other  side,  where  a  soldier  awaited 
his  return.  It  was  now  evening ;  I  did  not  know 
the  precise  distance  to  the  enemy's  picket  line, 
but  thought  it  best  to  avoid  the  roads,  and  conse 
quently  I  must  spend  the  night  in  the  swamp,  as 
the  only  safe  retreat.  It  required  some  little  time 
to  don  my  new  disguise,  and  feel  at  home  in  the 
clothes.  I  thought  the  best  place  for  my  debut 
Was  the  u  Chickahominy  swamp."  I  did  not  pur 
pose,  this  time,  to  pass  the  enemy's  lines  in  the 
night,  but  to  present  myself  at  the  picket  line,  at 
a  seasonable  hour,  and  ask  admission  as  one  of  the 
fugitives  of  that  section  flying  from  the  approach 
of  the  Yankees,  which  was  a  usual  thing. 

In  crossing  the  river  I  had  my  basket  strapped 
on  my  back,  and  did  not  know  that  all  it  contained 
was  completely  drenched,  until  I  required  to  use 
its  contents.  It  was,  therefore,  with  feelings  of 
dread  and  disappointment  that  I  discovered  this 


FEYER    AND    AGUE.  149 

sad  fact,  for  I  had  been  suffering  from  slight  ague 
chills  during  the  day,  and  feared  the  consequences 
of  spending  the  night  in  wet  clothing,  especially 
in  that  malaria-infested  region.  However,  there 
was  no  alternative,  and  I  was  obliged  to  make  the 
best  of  it.  I  had  brought  a  patch-work  quilt  with 
me  from  the  hospital,  but  that,  too,  was  wet.  Yet 
it  kept  off  some  of  the  chill  night  air,  and  the 
miasmatic  breath  of  that  "dismal  swamp."  The 
remembrance  of  the  sufferings  of  that  night  seem 
to  be  written  upon  my  memory  "as  with  a  pen 
of  iron."  There  I  was,  all  alone,  surrounded  by 
worse,  yes,  infinitely  worse,  than  wild  beasts — by 
blood-thirsty  savages — who  considered  death  far 
too  good  for  those  who  were  in  the  employment 
of  the  United  States  Government. 

That  night  I  was  attacked  by  severe  chills — > 
chills  beyond  description,  or  even  conception,  ex 
cept  by  those  who  have  experienced  the  freezing 
sensation  of  a  genuine  ague  chill.  During  the  lat 
ter  part  of  the  night  the  other  extreme  presented 
itself,  and  it  seemed  as  if  I  should  roast  alive,  and 
not  a  single  drop  of  water  to  cool  my  parched 
tongue ;  it  was  enough  to  make  any  one  think  of 
the  "rich  man"  of  the  Bible,  and  in  sympathy 
with  his  feelings  cry  to  "Father  Abraham"  for 
assistance.  My  mind  began  to  wander,  and  I  be 
came  quite  delirious.  There  seemed  to  be  the 
horrors  of  a  thousand  deaths  concentrated  around 
me ;  I  was  tortured  by  fiends  of  every  conceivable 


150  RETROSPECTION. 

shape  and  magnitude.  Oh,  how  it  makes  me 
shudder  to  recall  the  scenes  which  my  imagina 
tion  conjured  up  during  those  dark  weary  hours! 
Morning  at  last  came,  and  I  was  aroused  from  the 
horrible  night-mare  which  had  paralyzed  my  senses 
through  the  night,  by  the  roar  of  cannon  and  the 
screaming  of  shell  through  the  forest. 

But  there  I  was,  helpless  as  an  infant,  equally 
unable  to  advance  or  retreat,  without  friend  or  foe 
to  molest  or  console  me,  and  nothing  even  to 
amuse  me  but  my  own  thoughts.  I  looked  upon 
the  surrounding  scenery,  and  pronounced  it  very 
unromantic ;  then  my  eye  fell  upon  my  Irish  cos 
tume,  and  I  began  to  remember  the  fine  phrases 
which  I  had  taken  so  much  pains  to  learn,  when 
the  perfect  absurdity  of  my  position  rushed  over 
my  mind  with  overwhelming  force,  and  the  ludi- 
crousness  of  it  made  me,  for  the  moment,  forget 
my  lamentable  condition,  and  with  one  uncontroll 
able  burst  of  laughter  I  made  that  swamp  resound 
in  a  manner  which  would  have  done  credit  to  a 
person  under  happier  circumstances,  and  in  a  bet 
ter  state  of  health. 

That  mood  soon  passed  away,  and  I  began  a 
retrospection  of  my  past  life.  It  certainly  had 
been  an  eventful  one.  I  took  great  interest  in 
carefully  tracing  each  link  in  the  chain  of  circum 
stances  which  had  brought  me  to  the  spot  whereon 
I  now  lay,  deserted  and  alone,  in  that  notorious 
Chickahoniiny  swamp.  And  ere  I  was  aware  of 


LOST    IN    THE    SWAMP. 

it,  I  was  sighing  over  a  few  episodes  in  my  past 
history — and  mentally  saying,  well,  only  for  this 
intense  love  of  adventure,  such  arid  such  things 
"  might  have  been,"  and  I  should  now  be  rejoicing 
in  the  honorable  title  of  •  —  instead  of 

"wasting  my  sweetness  on  the  desert  air,"  in  the 
wilderness  of  the  Peninsula. 

Of  all  the  sad  words,  of  tongue  or  of  pen, 
The  saddest  are  these — "it  might  have  been." 

The  cannonading  was  only  the  result  of  a  rccon- 
noissance,  and  in  a  few  hours  ceased  altogether. 
But  not  so  my  fever  and  chills;  they  were  my 
constant  companions  for  two  days  and  two  nights 
in  succession.  At  the  end  of  that  time  I  was  an 
object  of  pity.  With  no  medicine,  no  food,  and 
consequently  little  strength ;  I  was  nearly  in  a  state 
of  starvation.  My  pies  and  cakes  were  spoiled  in 
the  basket,  in  consequence  of  the  drenching  they 
had  received  in  crossing  the  river,  and  now  I  had 
no  means  of  procuring  more.  But  something 
must  be  done ;  I  could  not  bear  the  thought  of 
thus  starving  to  death  in  that  inglorious  manner ; 
better  die  upon  the  scaffold  at  Richmond,  or  be 
shot  by  the  rebel  pickets ;  anything  but  this.  So 
I  thought  and  said,  as  I  rallied  all  my  remaining 
strength  to  arrange  my  toilette  preparatory  to 
emerging  from  my  concealment  in  the  swamp. 

It  was  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the 
third  day  after  crossing  the  river,  when  I  started^ 


152  A    SICK    KEBE  [>, 

as  I  thought,  towards  the  enemy's  lines,  and  a 
more  broken-hearted,  forlorn-looking  " Bridget" 
never  left  u  ould  Ireland,"  than  I  appeared  to  be 
that  morning.  I  traveled  from  that  time  until  five 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  was  then  deeper  in 
the  swamp  than  when  I  started.  My  head  or 
brain  was  completely  turned.  I  knew  not  which 
way  to  go,  nor  did  I  know  east  from  west,  or 
north  from  south. 

It  was  a  dark  day  in  every  sense  of  the  word — 
and  I  had  neither  sun  nor  compass  to  guide  me. 
At  five  o'clock  the  glorious  booming  of  cannon 
reverberated  through  the  dense  wilderness,  and 
to  me,  at  that  hour,  it  was  the  sweetest  and  most 
soul-inspiring  music  that  ever  greeted  my  ear.  I 
now  turned  my  face  in  the  direction  of  the  scene 
of  action,  and  was  not  long  in  extricating  myself 
from  the  desert  which  had  so  long  enveloped  me. 

Soon  after  emerging  from  the  swamp  I  saw,  in 
the  distance,  a  small  white  house,  and  thither  I 
bent  my  weary  footsteps.  I  found  it  deserted, 
with  the  exception  of  a  sick  rebel  soldier,  who  lay 
upon  a  straw-tick  on  the  floor  in  a  helpless  condi 
tion.  I  went  to  him,  and  assuming  the  Irish 
brogue,  I  inquired  how  he  came  to  be  left  alone, 
and  if  I  could  render  him  any  assistance.  He 
could  only  speak  in  a  low  whisper,  and  with  much 
difficulty,  said  he  had  been  ill  with  typhoid 
fever  a  few  weeks  before,  and  had  not  fully  re 
covered  when  General  Stoneman  attacked  the 


o 


SOMETHING    TO    EAT.  153 

rebels  in  the  vicinity  of  Coal  Harbor,  and  he  was 
ordered  to  join  his  company.  He  participated  in 
a  sharp  skirmish,  in  which  the  rebels  were  obliged 
to  retreat ;  but  he  fell  out  by  the  way,  and  fearing 
to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Yankees,  he  had 
crawled  along  as  best  he  could,  sometimes  on  his 
hands  and  knees,  until  he  reached  the  house  in 
which  I  found  him. 

He  had  not  eaten  anything  since  leaving  camp, 
and  he  was  truly  in  a  starving  condition.  I  did 
not  dare  say  to  him  u  ditto  "-  —with  regard  to  poor 
u Bridget's"  case — but  thought  so,  and  realized  it 
most  painfully.  He  also  told  me  that  the  family 
who  had  occupied  the  house  had  abandoned  it 
since  he  came  there,  and  that  they  had  left  some 
flour  and  corn-meal,  but  had  not  time  to  cook  any 
thing  for  him.  This  was  good  news  for  me,  and 
exhausted  as  I  was,  I  soon  kindled  a  fire,  and  in 
less  than  fifteen  minutes  a  large  hoe-cake  was  be 
fore  it  in  process  of  baking,  and  a  sauce-pan  of 
water  heating,  for  there  was  no  kettle  to  be  found 
After  searching  about  the  premises,  I  found  some 
tea  packed  away  in  a  small  basket,  with  some 
earthearn  ware,  which  the  family  had  forgotten 
to  take  with  them.  My  cake  being  cooked,  and 
tea  made,  I  fed  the  poor  famished  rebel  as  ten 
derly  as  if  he  had  been  my  brother,  and  he  seemed 
as  grateful  for  my  kindness,  and  thanked  me  with 
as  much  politeness,  as  if  I  had  been  Mrs.  Jeff  Da 
vis  The  next  important  item  was  to  attend  to 


154  SYMPATHY    FOR    SUFFERING. 

the  cravings  of  my  own  appetite,  which   I   did 
without  much  ceremony. 

After  making  my  toilet  and  adjusting  my  wig 
in  the  most  approved  Irish  style,  I  approached  the 
sick  man,  and  for  the  first  time  noticed  his  fea 
tures  and  general  appearance.  He  was  a  man 
about  thirty  years  of  age,  was  tall  and  had  a  slight 
figure,  regular  features,  dark  hair  and  large, 
mournful,  hazel  eyes;  altogether  he  was  a  very 
pleasing  and  intelligent  looking  man.  I  thought 
him  quite  an  interesting  patient,  and  if  I  had  had 
nothing  more  important  to  attend  to,  I  should 
have  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  caring  for  him  until 
he  recovered.  It  is  strange  how  sickness  and 
disease  disarm  our  antipathy  and  remove  our  pre 
judices.  There  lay  before  me  an  enemy  to  the 
Government  for  which  I  was  daily  and  willingly 
exposing  my  life  and  suffering  unspeakable  priva* 
tion ;  he  may  have  been  the  very  man  who  took 
deadly  aim  at  my  friend  and  sent  the  cruel  bullet 
through  his  temple ;  and  yet,  as  I  looked  upon 
him  in  his  helpless  condition,  I  did  not  feel  tho 
least  resentment,  or  entertain  an  unkind  thought 
toward  him  personally,  but  looked  upon  him  only 
as  an  unfortunate,  suffering  man,  whose  sad  condi 
tion  called  forth  the  best  feelings  of  my  nature, 
and  I  longed  to  restore  him  to  health  and  strength ; 
not  considering  that  the  very  health  and  strength 
which  I  wished  to  secure  for  him  would  be  em 
ployed  against  the  cause  which  I  had  espoused. 


A    DYING    REBEL.  155 

I  had  a  great  desire  to  know  more  of  this  man 
who  had  so  strangely  called  forth  my  sympathies, 
and  finding  that  he  had  grown  stronger  since  he 
had  partaken  of  some  nourishment,  I  entered  into 
conversation  with  him.  I  found  that  he  was  wholly 
and  conscientiously  a  Confederate  soldier,  but, 
strange  to  say,  completely  divested  of  that  invet 
erate  hatred  of  the  Yankees  which  is  almost  uni 
versal  among  the  Southerners.  I  dared  not  ex 
press  my  sentiments  in  very  strong  terms,  but 
gently  interrogated  him  with  regard  to  the  right 
which  he  claimed  the  rebels  had  to  take  up  arms 
against  the  United  States  Government. 

At  length  I  asked  him  if  he  professed  to  be  a 
Soldier  of  the  Cross  ;  he  replied  with  emotion  and 
enthusiasm,  "Yes,  thank  God!  I  have  fought 
longer  under  the  Captain  of  my  Salvation  than 
I  have  yet  done  under  Jeff.  Davis."  My  next  and 
last  question  upon  that  subject  was — "  Can  you,  as 
a  disciple  of  Christ,  conscientiously  and  consist 
ently  uphold  the  institution  of  Slavery?"  He 
made  no  reply,  but  fixed  those  mournful  eyes  on 
my  face  with  a  sad  expression,  as  much  as  to  say — 
"Ah,  Bridget,  you  have  touched  a  point  upon 
which  my  own  heart  condemns  me,  and  I  know 
that  God  is  greater  than  my  heart,  and  will  also 
condemn  me." 

In  this  earnest  conversation  I  had  unconsciously 
forgotten  much  of  my  Hibernian  accent,  and  I 
thought  that  the  sick  man  began  to  suspect  that  I 


156  A    WILLING    DETENTION. 

was  not  what  my  appearance  indicated.  It  alarmed 
me  for  a  moment,  but  I  soon  recovered  my  com 
posure  after  stepping  forward  and  examining  his 
pulse,  for  he  was  fast  sinking,  and  the  little  strength 
which  he  seemed  to  have  a  short  time  before 
was  nearly  exhausted.  After  studying  my  coun 
tenance  a  few  moments  he  asked  me  to  pray  with 
him.  I  did  not  dare  to  refuse  the  dying  man's  re 
quest,  nor  did  I  dare  to  approach  my  Maker  in  an 
assumed  tone  of  voice ;  so  I  knelt  down  beside 
him,  and  in  my  own  natural  voice  breathed  a  brief 
and  earnest  prayer  for  the  departing  soldier,  for 
grace  to  sustain  him  in  that  trying  hour,  and  finally 
for  the  triumph  of  truth  and  right. 

When  I  arose  from  my  knees  he  grasped  my 
hand  eagerly  and  said:  u Please  tell  me  who  you 
are.  I  cannot,  if  I  would,  betray  you,  for  I  shall 
very  soon  be  standing  before  that  God  whom  you 
have  just  addressed."  I  could  not  tell  him  the 
truth  and  I  would  not  tell  him  a  falsehood,  so  I 
evaded  a  direct  reply,  but  promised  that  when  he 
became  stronger  I  would  tell  him  my  history.  He 
smiled  languidly  and  closed  his  eyes,  as  much  as 
to  say  that  he  understood  me. 

It  was  now  growing  late.  I  was  not  far  from 
the  rebel  lines,  but  was  not  able  to  successfully  act 
a  part  in  my  present  debilitated  condition,  and 
besides,  I  was  glad  that  I  could  consistently  re 
main  over  night  with  that  poor  dying  man,  rebel 
though  he  was.  I  began  to  look  around  for  some- 


THE     LAST    HOUR.  157 

tiling  which  I  might  convert  into  a  light,  but  did 
not  succeed  in  finding  anything  better  than  a 
piece  of  salt  pork,  which  I  fried,  pouring  the  fat 
into  a  dish  in  which  I  put  a  cotton  rag,  and  then 
lighting  the  end  of  the  rag  I  found  I  had  secured 
quite  a  respectable  light.  After  making  some 
corn-meal  gruel  for  my  patient,  I  took  care  to 
fasten  the  doors  and  windows  so  that  no  one  could 
enter  the  house  without  my  knowledge,  and 
screened  the  windows  so  that  no  light  might  at 
tract  the  rebel  scouts. 

Thus  with  a  sort  of  feeling  of  security  I  took 
my  seat  beside  the  sick  man.  The  dews  of  death 
were  already  gathering  on  his  pallid  brow.  I  took 
his  hand  in  mine,  examined  his  pulse  again,  and 
wiped  the  cold  perspiration  from  hibj  forehead. 
Oh  how  those  beautiful  eyes  thanked  me  for  these 
little  acts  of  kindness !  He  felt  in  his  heart  that  I 
did  not  sympathize  with  him  as  a  rebel,  but  that  I 
was  willing  to  do  all  that  a  sister  could  do  for  him 
in  this  hour  of  trial.  This  seemed  to  call  forth 
more  gratitude  than  if  I  had  been  heart  and  hand 
with  the  South.  He  looked  up  suddenly  and  saw 
me  weeping— for  I  could  not  restrain  my  tears — - 
he  seemed  then  to  understand  that  he  was  really- 
dying.  Looking  a  little  startled  he  exclaimed— - 
" Am  I  really  dying?" 

Oh,  how  often  have  I  been  obliged  to  answer 
that  awful  question  in  the  affirmative !  "  Yes,  you 
are  dying,  my  friend.  Is  your  peace  made  with 


158  SOLDIERS     OF     CHRIST. 

God?"  He  replied,  "My  trust  is  in  Christ;  He 
was  mine  in  life,  and  in  death  He  will  not  forsake 
me  " — almost  the  very  words  I  heard  a  dying  Fed 
eral  soldier  say,  a  few  clays  before,  at  the  hospital 
in  Williamsburg.  A  few  weeks  previous  these 
two  men  had  been  arrayed  against  each  other  in 
deadly  strife  ;  yet  they  were  brethren ;  their  faith 
and  hope  were  the  same ;  they  both  trusted  in  the 
same  Saviour  for  salvation. 

Then  he  said,  "  I  have  a  last  request  to  make. 
If  you  ever  pass  through  the  Confederate  camp 
between  this  and  Richmond  inquire  for  Major 
McKee,  of  General  Swell's  staff,  and  give  him  a 
gold  watch  which  you  will  find  in  my  pocket ;  he 
will  know  what  to  do  with  it ;  and  tell  him  I  died 
happy,  peacefully."  He  then  told  me  his  name 
and  the  regiment  to  which  he  had  belonged.  His 
name  was  Allen  Hall.  Taking  a  ring  from  his 
finger  he  tried  to  put  it  on  mine,  but  his  strength 
failed,  and  after  a  pause  he  said,  uKeep  that  ring 
in  memory  of  one  whose  sufferings  you  have  alle 
viated,  and  whose  soul  has  been  refreshed  by  your 
prayers  in  the  hour  of  dissolution."  Then  folding 
his  hands  together  as  a  little  child  would  do  at  its 
mother's  knee,  he  smiled  a  mute  invitation  for 
prayer.  After  a  few  moments'  agonizing  prayer 
in  behalf  of  that  departing  spirit,  the  dying  man 
raised  himself  up  in  the  bed  and  cried  out  with  his 
dying  breath,  "Glory  to  God!  Glory  to  God!  I 
am  almost  home !  " 


THE  CHAMBER  OF  DEATH.       159 

He  was  almost  gone.  I  gave  him  some  water, 
raised  the  window,  and  using  my  hat  for  a  fan,  I 
sat  down  and  watched  the  last  glimmering  spark 
of  light  go  out  from  those  beautiful  windows  of 
the  soul.  Putting  his  hand  in  mine  he  signed  to 
me  to  raise  his  head  in  my  arms.  I  did  so,  and 
in  a  few  moments  he  ceased  to  breathe. 
.  He  died  about  twelve  o'clock — his  hand  clasp 
ing  mine  in  the  painful  grip  of  death,  my  arm 
supporting  him,  and  his  head  leaning  on  my  bosom 
like  a  wearied  child.  I  laid  him  down,  closed  his 
eyes,  and  straightened  his  rigid  limbs ;  then  fold 
ing  his  hands  across  his  breast,  I  drew  his  blanket 
close  around  him  and  left  him  in  the  silent  em 
brace  of  death.  The  beautiful,  calm  expression  of 
his  face  made  me  think  he  looked 

Like  one  who  wraps  the  drapery  of  his  couch 
About  him,  and  lies  down  to  pleasant  dreams. 

This  was  rather  a  strange  position  for  me  to 
occupy  at  midnight — alone  with  death!  Yet  I 
thanked  God  that  it  was  my  privilege  to  be  there ; 
and  I  thanked  Him  for  the  religion  of  Jesus  which 
was  the  strength  of  my  heart  in  that  trying  hour. 
Yes,  I  could  then  rejoice  in  the  providence  which 
had  detained  me  in  the  Chickahominy  swamp,  and 
had  thus  brought  me  to  the  bedside  of  that  suffer 
ing  stranger.  Profound  silence  reigned  supreme, 
and  there  was  naught  to  chase  away  the  darkness 
of  that  gloomy  midnight  hour  save  the  conscious^ 
ness  that  God  was  there. 


160  MY     REFLECTIONS. 

I  felt  it  good  thus  to  be  drawn  away  from  the 
tumult  of  Avar,  and  there,  in  the  presence  of  the 
angel  of  death,  hold  communion  with  my  own 
heart  and  drink  deep  from  the  well  of  holy  medi 
tation.  I  thought  there  were  happy  spirits  hover 
ing  round  the  lifeless  form  of  him  who  was  so 
lovable  in  life  and  lovely  in  death.  Yes,  I  imagined 
the  shining  host  had  returned  from  escorting  the 
triumphant  spirit  to  the  Throne  of  God,  and  were 
now  watching  the  beautiful  casket  which  had  en 
cased  the  bright  spirit  whose  companionship  had 
made  some  southern  home  bright  and  joyous. 

I  thought,  too,  of  the  loved  ones  who  had  gone 
and  left  me  to  finish  my  journey  alone,  and  who 
would  soon  come  to  bear  me  away  to  that  bright 
eternal  world,  if  I  only  proved  faithful  unto  death. 
uHow  impressively  sad,  how  thrillingly  beautiful, 
the  lesson  we  glean  from  this  silent  spirit  commu 
nion!  Our  physical  nature  starts  and  shudders  at 
the  thought  of  joining  the  silent  numbers  of  the 
dead ;  but  our  spiritual  nature  catches  a  glimpse 
of  that  spirit-life  beyond  the  portals  of  the  tomb, 
where  life,  pure,  free  and  joyous,  shall  be  ours." 

A  lesson  sad,  but  fraught  with  good — 
A  tearful  one,  but  strengthening  food— 

Thou  givest  me ; 

We  learn  that  "  dust  returns  to  dust," 
Anew  in  God  we  put  our  trust, 

And  bow  the  knee. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

IM    i   A   STOIC? — SOMEONE'S    DARLING — COMPLETING   MY   DIS 
GUISE ANOTHER    START   FOR   THE     REBEL     LINES PEPPERING 

MY    EYES CHALLENGED    BY    A    PICKET A  COCKNEY  SENTINEL 

GETTING    INFORMATION PLENTY    OF    BEEF,    BUT    NO    SALT 

RICE    AND    CORN     MEAL     BREAD PREPARING    TO    VISIT    HEAD 

QUARTERS INTERVIEW    WITH     MAJOR    MC  KEE THE     MAJOR'S 

MISPLACED      CONFIDENCE RETURN     FOR     THE     BODY     OF     THE 

REBEL    CAPTAIN MY    LOOK-OUT    FOR  YANKEES NEW  ORDERS. 

PERHAPS  some  of  my  readers  will  pronounce 
me  a  stoic,  entirely  devoid  of  feeling,  when  I 
tell  them  that  two  hours  after  I  wrapped  the  un 
conscious  form  of  my  late  patient  in  his  winding-^ 
sheet,  I  enveloped  myself  in  my  patchwork  quilt, 
and  laid  me  down  not  far  from  the  corpse,  and 
slept  soundly  until  six  o'clock  in  the  morning. 
Feeling  much  refreshed  I  arose,  and  after  spend 
ing  a  few  moments  by  the  side  of  my  silent 
companion,  contemplating  the  changes  which  the 
King  of  Terrors  had  wrought,  I  cut  a  lock  of  hair 
from  his  temple,  took  the  watch  and  a  small  pack 
age  of  letters  from  his  pocket,  replaced  the  blank 
et  reverently,  and  bade  him  farewell. 

Kiss  him  once  for  somebody's  sake 

Murmur  a  prayer  soft  and  low ; 
One  bright  curl  from  its  dark  mates  take, 

They  were  somebody's  pride,  you  know : 


162  SOMEBODY'S  DARLING. 

Somebody's  hand  hath  rested  there — 

"Was  it  a  mother's,  soft  and  white  ? 
And  have  the  lips  of  a  sister  fair 

Been  baptized  in  their  waves  of  light  ? 

God  knows  best!     He  was  sombebody's  lore; 

Somebody's  heart  enshrined  him  there; 
Somebody  wafted  his  name  above, 

Night  and  morn,  on  the  wings  of  prayer. 
Somebody  wept  when  he  marched  away, 

Looking  so  handsome,  brave  and  grand ; 
Somebody's  kiss  on  his  forehead  lay, 

Somebody  clung  to  his  parting  hand. 

Somebody  's  waiting  and  watching  for  him, 

Yearning  to  hold  him  again  to  her  heart; 
And  there  he  lies  with  his  dark  eyes  dim, 

And  the  smiling,  childlike  lips  apart. 
Tenderly  bury  the  fair  young  dead, 

Pausing  to  drop  in  his  grave  a  tear ; 
Carve  on  the  wooden  slab  at  his  head 

"  Somebody's  darling  slumbers  here." 

After  hastily  partaking  of  a  slight  repast,  which 
I  could  scarcely  term  breakfast,  I  commenced  im 
mediate  preparations  to  leave  the  house.  Upon 
examining  the  basket  in  which  I  had  found  the 
tea  on  my  arrival,  I  found  a  number  of  articles 
which  assisted  me  much  in  assuming  a  more  per 
fect  disguise.  There  was  mustard,  pepper,  an  old 
pair  of  green  spectacles,  and  a  bottle  of  red  ink. 
Of  the  mustard  I  made  a  strong  plaster  about  the 
size  of  a  dollar,  and  tied  it  on  one  side  of  my  face 
until  it  blistered  it  thoroughly.  I  then  cut  off  the 
blister  and  put  on  a  large  patch  of  black  court- 
plaster  ;  with  the  ink  I  painted  a  red  line  around 
my  eyes,  and  after  giving  my  pale  complexion  a 


COMPLETING    MY    DISGUISE.  163 

deep  tinge  with  some  ochre  which  I  found  in  a 
closet,  I  put  on  my  green  glasses  and  my  Irish 
hood,  which  came  over  my  face  about  six  inches. 

I  then  made  the  tour  of  the  house  from  garret 
to  cellar,  to  find  all  the  household  fixings  which 
an  Irishwoman  would  be  supposed  to  carry  with 
her  in  such  an  emergency — for  I  expected  to 
be  searched  before  I  was  admitted  through  the 
the  lines.  I  packed  both  my  baskets,  for  I  had 
two  now,  and  was  ready  for  another  start.  But 
before  leaving  I  thought  best  to  bury  my  pistol 
and  every  article  in  my  possession  which  could  in 
any  way  induce  suspicion.  Then  taking  a  farewell 
look  at  the  beautiful  features  of  the  dead,  I  left 
the  house,  going  directly  the  nearest  road  to  the 
rebel  picket  line.  I  felt  perfectly  safe  in  doing 
so,  for  the  rebel  soldier's  watch  was  a  sufficient 
passport  in  daylight,  and  a  message  for  Major 
McKee  would  insure  me  civility  at  least. 

I  followed  the  Richmond  road  about  five  miles 
before  meeting  or  seeing  any  one.  At  length  I 
saw  a  sentinel  in  the  distance,  but  before  he  ob 
served  me  I  sat  down  to  rest  and  prepare  my 
mind  for  the  coming  interview.  While  thus  wait 
ing  to  have  my  courage  reinforced,  I  took  from 
my  basket  the  black  pepper  and  sprinkled  a  little 
of  it  on  my  pocket  handkerchief,  which  I  applied 
to  my  eyes.  The  effect  was  all  I  could  have  de 
sired,  for  taking  a  view  of  my  prepossessing  coun 
tenance  in  the  small  mirror  which  I  always  carried 


164  A     COCKNEY    SENTINEL. 

with  me,  I  perceived  that  my  eyes  had  a  fine  ten 
der  expression,  which  added  very  much  to  the 
beauty  of  their  red  borders.  I  was  reminded  of 
poor  Leah  of  old  who  failed  to  secure  the  affection 
of  her  husband  in  consequence  of  a  similar  blem 
ish,  and  thought  myself  safe  from  the  slightest  ap 
proach  to  admiration  on  the  part  of  the  chivalry. 

1  now  resumed  my  journey,  and  displayed  a  flag 
of  truce,  a  piece  of  a  cotton  window  curtain  which 
I  brought  from  the  house  at  which  I  had  stopped 
over  night.  As  I  came  nearer  the  picket-guard 
signaled  to  me  to  advance,  which  I  did  as  fast  as 
I  could  under  the  circumstances,  being  encum 
bered  with  two  heavy  baskets  packed  full  of  earth 
enware,  clothing,  quilts,  etc.  Upon  coming  up  to 
the  guard,  instead  of  being  dismayed  at  his  for 
midable  appearance,  I  felt  rejoiced,  for  there  stood 
before  me  an  immense  specimen  of  a  jolly  English 
man,  with  a  bla"nd  smile  on  his  good-natured  face, 
provoked,  I  presume,  by  the  supremely  ludicrous 
figure  I  presented. 

He  mildly  questioned  me  with  regard  to  my 
hopes  and  fears,  whence  I  came  and  whither  I  was 
going,  and  if  I  had  seen  any  Yankees.  My  sor 
rowful  story  was  soon  told.  My  peppery  hand 
kerchief  was  freely  applied  to  my  eyes,  and  the 
tears  ran  down  my  face  without  the  least  effort 
on  my  part.  The  good-natured  guard's  sympathy 
was  excited,  more  especially  as  I  was  a  foreigner 
like  himself,  and  he  told  me  I  could  pass  along 


GETTING    INFORMATION.  165 

and  go  just  wherever  I  pleased,  so  far  as  he  was 
concerned,  adding  in  a  sad  tone,  "I  wish  I  was 
hat  'ome  with  my  family,  hand  then  Jeff.  Davis 
hand  the  Confederacy  might  go  to  'ell  for  hall  me. 
Englishmen  'ave  no  business  'ere." 

I  mentally  exclaimed,  "  Good  for  you — you  are 
one  after  my  own  heart,"  but  I  replied  to  the  Eng 
lishman's  patriotic  speech  after  the  following  man 
ner  :  "  Och,  indade  I  wish  yez  was  all  at  home  wid 
yer  families,  barrin  them  as  have  no  families ;  an 
sure  its  we  poor  craythurs  of  wimen  that's  heart 
broken  intirely,  an  fairly  kilt  wid  this  onnathral 
war;"  and  here  my  eyes  were  again  carefully 
wiped  with  my  handkerchief. 

After  thanking  the  picket-guard  for  his  kind 
ness,  I  went  on  my  way  toward  the  rebel  camp. 
I  had  not  gone  far  when  the  guard  called  me  back 
and  advised  me  not  to  stay  in  camp  over  night, 
for,  said  he,  "  One  of  our  spies  has  just  come  in 
and  reported  that  the  Yankees  have  finished  the 
bridges  across  the  Chickahominy,  and  intend  to 
attack  us  either  to-day  or  to-night,  but  Jackson 
and  Lee  are  ready  for  them."  He  went  on  to  tell 
me  how  many  masked  batteries  they  had  prepared, 
and  said  he,  "  There  is  one,"  pointing  to  a  brush- 
heap  by  the  roadside,  "that  will  give  them  fits  if 
they  come  this  way." 

Feeling  somewhat  in  a  hurry,  I  started  once 
more  for  camp.  I  concluded  after  getting  through 
the  lines  that  I  could  dispense  with  one  of  my  bas- 


166         RICE    AND    CORN    MEAL    BREAD. 

kets,  so  setting  one  of  them  down  under  a  tree  I 
felt  much  more  comfortable,  and  was  not  quite  so 
conspicuous  an  object  going  into  camp.  I  went 
directly  to  headquarters  and  inquired  for  Major 
McKee.  I  was  told  that  he  would  not  be  there 
before  evening,  and  my  informant  drawled  out 
after  me,  "  He 's  gone  to  set  a  trap  for  the  d — d 
Yankees." 

I  made  up  my  mind  at  once  that  I  must 
find  out  as  much  as  possible  before  night,  and 
make  my  way  back  before  the  impending  battle 
came  on.  Upon  looking  around  the  camp  I  saw 
a  shanty  where  some  negro  women  were  cooking 
meat.  I  went  and  told  them  that  I  was  hun 
gry  and  would  like  to  have  something  to  eat. 
"  Oh  yes,  honey,  we'se  got  lots  o'  meat  and  bread, 
but  haint  got  no  salt ;  but  reckon  ye  can  eat  it 
without."  So  saying  an  old  auntie  brought  me  a 
piece  of  boiled  fresh  beef  and  some  bread ;  but  I 
could  not  make  out  what  the  bread  was  made  of; 
as  near  as  I  could  guess,  however,  it  was  made  of 
boiled  rice  and  corn-meal,  and  that  also  was  with 
out  salt. 

I  thought  it  would  be  well  to  look  a  little 
smarter  before  I  presented  myself  at  headquarters 
again,  lest  I  might  not  meet  with  that  confidence 
which  I  felt  it  was  important  for  me  to  secure. 
My  patched  and  painted  face  made  it  impossible 
for  any  one  to  define  the  expression  of  my  coun 
tenance.  My  blistered  cheek  was  becoming  very 


INTERVIEW    WITH    THE    MAJOR.          167 

painful  in  consequence  of  the  drawing  of  the  court- 
plaster.  I  took  off  my  glasses  and  bathed  my  face 
in  clear,  cold  water,  which  did  not  remove  much 
of  the  color,  but  made  me  a  shade  more  like  my 
self;  then  I  succeeded  in  getting  one  of  the  col 
ored  women  to  go  to  the  doctor's  quarters  and  get 
me  some  unguent,  or  simple  cerate,  with  which  I 
dressed  the  blister.  My  eyes  were  sufficiently  dis 
figured  by  this  time  to  dispense  with  the  glasses, 
so  putting  them  in  my  basket  I  laid  them  aside  for 
another  occasion.  There  was  no  difficulty  in  find 
ing  out  the  force  of  the  enemy  or  their  plans  for 
the  coming  battle,  for  every  one,  men  and  women, 
seemed  to  think  and  talk  of  nothing  else. 

Five  o'clock  came,  and  with  it  Major  McKee. 
I  lost  no  time  in  presenting  myself  before  his 
majorship,  and  with  a  profound  Irish  courtesy  I 
made  known  my  business,  and  delivered  the  watch 
and  package.  I  did  not  require  any  black  pepper 
now  to  assist  the  lachrymal  glands  in  performing 
their  duty,  for  the  sad  mementoes  which  I  had 
just  delivered  to  the  major  so  forcibly  reminded 
me  of  the  scenes  of  the  past  night  that  I  could  not 
refrain  from  weeping.  The  major,  rough  and 
stern  as  he  was,  sat  there  with  his  face  between 
his  hands  and  sobbed  like  a  child.  Soon  he  rose 
to  his  feet,  surveyed  me  from  head  to  foot,  and 
said,  "  You  are  a  faithful  woman,  and  you  shall  be 
rewarded." 

He  then  asked :    u  Can  you  go  direct  to  that 


168      MISPLACED  CONFIDENCE. 

house,  and  show  my  men  where  Allen's  body  is?  " 
I  answered  in  the  affirmative — whereupon  he 
handed  me  a  ten  dollar  Federal  bill,  saying,  as  he 
did  so:  ulf  you  succeed  in  finding  the  house,  I 
will  give  you  as  much  more."  I  thanked  him, 
but  positively  declined  taking  the  money.  He 
did  not  seem  to  understand  the  philosophy  of  a 
person  in  my  circumstances  refusing  money,  and 
when  I  looked  at  him  again  his  face  wore  a  doubt 
ful,  puzzled  expression,  which  alarmed  me.  I  was 
actually  frightened,  and  bursting  into  a  passionate 
fit  of  weeping,  I  exclaimed  vehemently :  "  Oh, 
Gineral,  forgive  me !  but  me  conshins  wud  niver 
give  me  pace  in  this  world  nor  in  the  nixt,  if  I 
wud  take  money  for  carying  the  dyin  missage  for 
that  swate  boy  that's  dead  and  gone— God  rest 
his  soul.  Och,  indade,  indade  I  nivir  cud  do  sich 
a  mane  thing,  if  I  iin  a  poor  woman."  The  major 
seemed  satisfied,  and  told  me  to  wait  until  he  re 
turned  with  a  detachment  of  men. 

When  he  returned  with  the  men,  I  told  him 
that  I  did  not  feel  able  to  walk  that  distance,  and 
requested  him  to  let  me  have  a  horse,  stating  the 
fact  that  I  had  been  sick  for  several  days,  and  had 
slept  but  little  the  night  before.  He  did  not  an 
swer  a  word,  but  ordered  a  horse  saddled  imme 
diately,  which  was  led  forward  by  a  colored  boy, 
who  assisted  me  to  mount.  I  really  felt  mean, 
and  for  the  first  time  since  I  had  acted  in  the  ca 
pacity  of  spy,  I  despised  myself  for  the  very  act 


RETURN    FOR    A    BODY.  169 

which  I  was  about  to  perform.  I  must  betray  the 
confidence  which  that  man  reposed  in  me.  He 
was  too  generous  to  harbor  a  suspicion  against 
me,  and  thus  furnished  me  the  very  means  of  be- 
tray  ing  him. 

This  feeling  did  not  last  long,  however,  for  as 
we  started  on  our  mission  he  said  •  to  his  men : 
"  Now,  boys,  bring  back  the  body  of  Captain  Hall, 
if  you  have  to  walk  through  Yankee  blood  to  the 
knees."  That  speech  eased  my  conscience  con 
siderably.  I  was  surprised  to  hear  him  say  u  Cap 
tain  Hall,"  for  I  did  not  know  until  then  that  he 
was  an  officer.  There  was  nothing  about  his  uni 
form  or  person  to  indicate  his  rank,  and  I  had 
supposed  he  was  a  private  soldier. 

We  made  our  way  toward  the  house  very  cau 
tiously,  lest  we  should  be  surprised  by  the  Fed 
erals.  I  rode  at  the  head  of  the  little  band  of 
rebels  as  guide,  not  knowing  but  that  I  was  lead 
ing  them  into  the  jaws  of  death  every  step  we 
advanced,  and  if  so  it  would  probably  be  death 
for  me  as  well  as  for  them.  Thus  we  traveled 
those  five  miles,  silently,  thoughtfully,  and  stealth 
ily.  The  sun  had  gone  down  behind  the  western 
hills,  and  the  deepening  shadows  were  fast  gath 
ering  around  us  as  we  came  in  sight  of  the  little 
white  cottage  in  the  forest,  where  I  had  so  recently 
spent  such  a  strangely,  awfully  solemn  night. 

The  little  detachment  halted  to  rest,  and  to 
make  arrangements  before  approaching^he  house. 


170       LOOKOUT  FOR  YANKEES. 

This  detachment  consisted  of  twenty-four  men, 
under  a  sergeant  and  a  corporal.  The  men  were 
divided  into  squads,  each  of  which  was  to  take 
its  turn  at  carrying  the  body  of  their  late  Captain 
upon  a  stretcher,  which  they  had  brought  for  that 
purpose.  As  we  drew  near,  and  saw  no  sign  of 
an  approaching  enemy,  they  regretted  that  they 
had  not  brought  an  ambulance ;  but  I  did  not  re 
gret  it,  for  the  present  arrangement  suited 
me  exactly.  Having  settled  things  satisfactorily 
among  themselves,  we  again  resumed  our  march 
and  were  soon  at  the  gate.  The  sergeant  then 
ordered  the  corporal  to  proceed  to  the  house  with 
a  squad  of  men  and  bring  out  the  corpse,  while  he 
stationed  the  remaining  men  to  guard  all  the  ap 
proaches  to  the  house. 

He  then  asked  me  to  ride  down  the  road  a  little 
way,  and  if  I  should  see  or  hear  anything  of  the 
Yankees  to  ride  back  as  fast  as  possible  and  let 
them  know.  I  assented,  and  joyfully  complied 
with  the  first  part  of  his  request.  This  was  a  very 
pleasant  duty  assigned  me,  for  which  I  mentally 
thanked  the  sergeant  a  thousand  times.  I  turned 
and  rode  slowly  down  the  road,  but  not  "  seeing 
or  hearing  anything  of  the  Yankees,"  I  thought  it 
best  to  keep  on  in  that  direction  until  I  did.  I 
was  like  the  zouave,  after  the  battle  of  Bull  Run, 
who  said  he  was  ordered  to  retreat,  but  not  being 
ordered  to  halt  at  any  particular  place,  he  pre 
ferred  to  Keep  on  until  he  reached  New  York.  So 


NEW    ORDERS.  171 

I  preferred  to  keep  on  until  I  reached  the  Chicka 
hominy,  where  I  reported  progress  to  the  Federal 
general. 

I  had  no  desire  to  have  that  little  escort  cap 
tured,  and  consequently  said  nothing  about  it  in 
my  report ;  so  the  sergeant,  with  his  men,  were 
permitted  to  return  to  the  rebel  camp  unmolested, 
bearing  with  them  the  remains  of  their  beloved 
captain.  After  getting  out  of  sight  of  the  rebel 
guards,  I  made  that  horse  go  over  the, ground 
about  as  fast,  I  think,  as  he  ever  did  before — 
which  seemed  to  give  him  a  bad  impression  of 
Yankees  in  general,  and  of  me  in  particular,  for 
ever  after  that  night,  it  was  as  much  as  a  person's 
life  was  worth  to  saddle  him ;  at  every  attempt  he 
would  kick  and  bite  most  savagely. 

The  next  day  the  following  order  was  issued : 
"Upon  advancing  beyond  the  Chickahominy  the 
troops  will  go  prepared  for  battle  at  a  moment's 
notice,  and  will  be  entirely  unencumbered,  with 
the  exception  of  ambulances.  All  vehicles  will 
be  left  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Chickahominy, 
and  carefully  packed. 

u  The  men  will  leave  their  knapsacks,  packed, 
with  the  wagons,  and  will  carry  three  days  rations. 
The  arms  will  be  put  in  perfect  order  before  the 
troops  march,  and  a  careful  inspection  made  of 
them,  as  well  as  of  the  cartridge-boxes,  which  in 
all  cases  will  contain  at  least  forty  rounds ;  twenty 
additional  rounds  will  be  carried  by  the  men  in 


172  DISCIPLINE. 

their  pockets.  Commanders  of  batteries  will  see 
that  their  limber  and  caisson-boxes  are  filled  to 
their  utmost  capacity. 

"Commanders  of  Army  Corps  will  devote  their 
personal  attention  to  the  fulfillment  of  these  orders, 
and  will  personally  see  that  the  proper  arrange 
ments  are  made  for  packing  and  properly  guard 
ing  the  trains  and  surplus  baggage,  taking  all  the 
steps  necessary  to  insure  their  being  brought 
promptly  to  the  front  when  needed  ;  they  will 
also  take  steps  to  prevent  the  ambulances  from 
interfering  with  the  movements  of  any  troops. 
Sufficient  guards  and  staff-officers  will  be  detailed 
to  carry  out  these  orders.  The  ammunition-wag 
ons  will  be  in  readiness  to  march  to  their  respec 
tive  brigades  and  batteries  at  a  moment's  warning, 
but  will  not  cross  the  Chickahominy  until  they  are 
sent  for.  All  quarter- masters  and  ordnance  offi 
cers  are  to  remain  with  their  trains. 

"In  the  approaching  battle  the  general  com 
manding  trusts  that  the  troops  will  preserve  the 
discipline  which  he  has  been  so  anxious  to  enforce, 
and  which  they  have  so  generally  observed.  He 
calls  upon  all  the  officers  and  soldiers  to  obey 
promptly  and  intelligently  all  the  orders  they  may 
receive ;  let  them  bear  in  mind  that  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  has  never  yet  been  checked,  and  let 
them  preserve  in  battle  perfect  coolness  and  con 
fidence,  the  sure  forerunners  of  success.  They 
must  keep  well  together,  throw  away  no  shots, 


PORTER'S  SUCCESSES.  173 

but  aim  carefully  and  low,  and,  above  all  things, 
rely  upon  the  bayonet.  Commanders  of  regiments 
are  reminded  of  the  great  responsibility  that  rests 
upon  them ;  upon  their  coolness,  judgment  and 
discretion,  the  destinies  of  their  regiments  and 
success  of  the  day  will  depend." 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

OUR      COMMUNICATIONS      WITH       THE      CHICK 

SUCCESSES DESPATCHES    TO     THE    PRESIDENT HIS     REPLY 

HANOVER      COURT      HOUSE TERRIBLE      STORM     AND     FLOOD 

HOPES    OF    THE    ENEMY A     SJDDEN     AND     STRONG     ATTACK 

I    ACT    AS    AN     ORDERLY THROUGH    THE    FLOOD MY    RETURN 

AND     REPORT JOYFUL     NEWS MY      OWN     DISASTER SCENES 

IN    THE    OLD    MILL WAITING    ON    THE    WOUNDED MY  SUFFER 
INGS      BY     THE      ROADSIDE A     HARD-HEARTED     CHAPLAIN A 

STUMBLING    BLOCK. 

FOR  several  days  the  enemy  had  been  concen 
trating  a  large  force  on  the  right  flank  of  the 
Federals,  with  the  intention  of  cutting  off  their 
communications  with  the  river.  A  portion  of 
Fitz  John  Porter's  corps  was  detailed  to  dispose  of 
this  force,  and  also  to  cut  the  Virginia  Central, 
Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  railroads.  The 
communication  was  cut  off,  and  after  two  severe 
engagements  the  enemy  retreated,  leaving  behind 
them  several  hundred  prisoners,  their  cannon  and 
camp  equipage.  On  the  same  day  the  following 


174     DESPATCHES    TO    THE    PRESIDENT. 

despatch  was  sent  to  the  Secretary  of  War  by  the 
commanding  general: 

"Camp  near  New  Bridge,  May  28th.  Porter 
has  gained  two  complete  victories  over  superior 
forces ;  yet  I  feel  obliged  to  ritove  in  the  morning 
with  reinforcements  to  secure  the  complete  de 
struction  of  the  rebels  in  that  quarter.  In  doing  so 
I  run  some  risk  here,  but  cannot  help  it.  The 
enemy  are  even  in  greater  force  than  I  had  sup 
posed.  I  will  do  all  that  quick  movements  can 
accomplish,  but  you  must  send  me  all  the  troops 
you  can,  and  leave  me  to  full  latitude  as  to  choice 
of  commanders.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  to  de 
stroy  the  rebels  near  Hanover  Court  House  before 
I  can  advance." 

To  which  the  President  replied:  "I  am  very 
glad  of  General  Porter's  victory.  Still,  if  it  was  a 
total  rout  of  the  enemy,  I  am  puzzled  to  know  why 
the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg  railroad  was 
not  seized  again,  as  you  say  you  have  all  the  rail 
roads  but  the  Richmond  and  Fredericksburg.  I 
am  painfully  impressed  with  the  importance  of  the 
struggle  before  you,  and  shall  aid  you  all  I  can 
consistently  with  my  view  of  due  regard  to  other 
points.'* 

Two  days  later  McClellan  telegraphs  again: 
"  From  the  tone  of  your  despatches  I  do  not  think 
that  you  appreciate  the  value  and  magnitude  of 
Porter's  victory.  It  has  entirely  relieved  my  right 
flank,  which  was  seriously  threatened,  it  has  routed 


STORM    AND     FLOOD.  175 

and  demoralized  a  considerable  portion  of  the  re 
bel  forces,  taken  over  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
prisoners,  killed  and  wounded  large  numbers ; 
one  gun,  many  small  arms,  and  much  baggage 
taken.  It  was  one  of  the  handsomest  things  in 
the  war,  both  in  itself  and  in  its  results.  Porter 
has  returned,  and  my  army  is  again  well  in  hand. 
Another  day  will  make  the  probable  field  of  battle 
passable  for  artillery.  It  is  quite  certain  that  there 
is  nothing  in  front  of  McDowell  at  Fredericksburg. 
I  regard  the  burning  of  South  Anne  bridge  as  the 
least  important  result  of  Porter's  movement." 

The  battle  of  Hanover  Court  House  was  cer 
tainly  a  splendid  affair,  and  a  very  important  vic 
tory  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Three  days 
after  this  battle,  while  the  army  was  divided  by 
the  river,  a  portion  of  the  troops  having  crossed 
over  the  day  before,  a  most  fearful  storm  swept 
over  the  Peninsula,  accompanied  with  terrible  ex 
hibitions  of  lightning  and  explosions  of  thunder. 
The  water  came  down  all  night  and  all  day  in  per 
fect  floods,  completely  inundating  the  valley 
through  which  the  Chickahominy  flows,  turning 
the  narrow  stream  into  a  broad  river,  converting 
the  swamps  into  lakes,  and  carrying  away  one 
bridge  and  rendering  the  other  unsafe.  And  still 
the  rain  came  pouring  down  in  torrents,  reminding 
one  of  that  crisis  in  the  world's  history  when  "  the 
fountains  of  the  great  deep  were  broken  up,  and 
the  windows  of  heaven  were  opened."  Had  it  not 


176  A    SUDDEN    ATTACK. 

been  for  McClellan's  faith  in  the  bible  and  in  God's 
covenant  with  Noah,  he  would  no  doubt  have  se 
riously  contemplated  building  an  ark,  in  order  to 
save  himself  and  his  army  from  destruction.  The 
rebels  seemed  to  think  this  flood  was  sent  as  a 
judgment  from  the  Almighty  upon  their  hated 
enemies,  and  was  a  direct  interposition  of  Provi 
dence  in  their  behalf,  which  would  enable  them  to 
visit  wholesale  destruction  upon  the  Yankees. 

On  the  thirtieth  of  May  the  enemy,  taking  ad 
vantage  of  this  terrible  state  of  things  caused  by 
the  disastrous  storm,  came  rushing  down  upon 
our  troops  in  immense  force.  A  battle  opened  at 
about  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  after  three 
hours'  desperate  fighting,  General  Casey's  division, 
occupying  the  first  line,  was  compelled  to  fall 
back  in  considerable  disorder  upon  the  second 
line,  causing  temporary  confusion ;  but  the  rapid 
advance  of  Generals  Heintzelman  and  Kearney 
with  their  divisions  soon  checked  the  rebels.  Sum- 
ner,  Sedgwick,  Couch,  Keyes  and  the  other  com 
manders  also  labored  valiantly  to  retrieve  the  in 
jury  effected  by  the  unfortunate  retirement  of  Ca 
sey's  command. 

The  enemy,  led  by  Hill  and  Longstreet,  ad 
vanced  in  massive  columns,  with  threefold  lines, 
and  came  boldly  on  like  an  overwhelming  wave,  as 
if  determined  to  crush  all  opposition  by  the  sudden 
ness  and  fierceness  of  the  attack.  Total  annihila 
tion  seemed  to  be  their  motto,  and  the  determined 


ACTING    ORDERLY.  177 

and  reckless  daring  of  the  fierce  and  bloodthirsty 
rebels  in  such  overpowering  numbers  carried  con 
viction  to  many  loyal  hearts  that  they  would  suc 
ceed  in  driving  that  devoted  fragment  of  an  army 
into  the  Chickahominy,  before  it  would  be  possi 
ble  for  reinforcements  to  arrive. 

At  this  time  I  was  in  military  uniform,  mounted 
upon  my  rebel  horse,  and  was  acting  orderly  for 
General  K.  Several  aides  and  orderlies  had  been 
sent  with  messages  and  despatches,  but  no  rein 
forcement  had  yet  arrived,  and,  taking  a  Federal 
view  of  it,  the  picture  presented  a  gloomy  appear 
ance.  General  K.  reined  in  his  horse  abruptly, 
and  taking  from  his  pocket  an  envelope,  he  hastily 
wrote  on  the  back  of  it  with  a  pencil — uln  the 
name  of  God  bring  your  command  to  our  relief,  if 
you  have  to  swim  in  order  to  get  here — or  we  are 
lost."  Handing  it  to  me  he  said— "  Go  just  as 
fast  as  that  horse  can  carry  you  to  General  G.,  pre 
sent  this  with  my  compliments,  return  immediate 
ly,  and  report  to  me." 

I  put  poor  little  "Reb"over  the  road  at  the 
very  top  of  his  speed  until  he  was  nearly  white 
with  foam,  then  plunged  him  into  the  Chickahom 
iny  and  swam  him  across  the  river.  I  met  General 
G.  about  a  hundred  rods  from  the  river  making 
the  best  of  his  way  toward  the  bridge.  Engineers 
were  at  once  set  to  work  strengthening  the  crazy 
structure,  which  was  swaying  to  and  fro  with  the 
rushing  tide.  The  eager,  excited  troops  dashed 


178  JOYFUL     NEWS. 

into  the  water  waist  deep,  and  getting  upon  the 
floating  planks  went  pouring  over  in  massive  col 
umns.  I  preferred  to  swim  my  horse  back  again 
rather  than  risk  myself  upon  such  a  bridge,  for  I 
looked  every  moment  to  see  it  give  way  and  en 
gulf  the  whole  division  in  the  turbid  waters  of  the 
swollen  creek.  However,  all  reached  the  other 
side  in  safety,  and  started  along  the  flooded  road 
on  the  double  quick.  This  was  cheering  news  to 
carry  back  to  General  K.,  so  I  started  again  for 
the  field  in  order  to  claim  the  reward  of  u  him  who 
bringeth  good  tidings." 

I  found  General  K.  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight, 
encouraging  his  men  and  shouting  his  orders  dis 
tinctly  above  the  roar  and  din  of  battle.  Riding 
up  to  him  and  touching  my  hat,  I  reported — "  Just 
returned,  sir.  General  G.,  with  his  command,  will 
be  here  immediately."  It  was  too  good  to  keep 
to  himself,  so  he  turned  to  his  men  and  shouted  at 
the  top  of  his  voice — u  Reinforcements !  reinforce 
ments  !  "  then  swinging  his  hat  in  the  air  he  per 
fectly  electrified  the  whole  line  as  far  as  his  voice 
could  reach,  and  the  glorious  word  "reinforce 
ments"  was  passed  along  until  that  almost  ex 
hausted  line  was  reanimated  and  inspired  with  new 
hope. 

While  I  was  thus  watching  with  delight  the  ef 
fects  of  this  joyful  news  upon  the  soldiers,  my  at 
tention  was  directed  to  another  object.  General 
H.,  who  had  made  himself  conspicuous  by  his  gal- 


ORDERLY.— Page  118. 


MY    OWN    DISASTER.  179 

lant  conduct,  was  struck  by  a  ball  which  shattered 
his  arm  badly.     He  was  only  a  few  rods  from  me, 
and  there  was  none  near  to  help  him.     I  asked 
General  K.  if  I  might  go  to  him,  and  after  obtain 
ing  permission  I  rode  up  to  him,  leaped  from  my 
horse,  and  hitched  him  near  by.     I  then  removed 
the  clothing  from  his  arm,  gave  him  some  water, 
poured  some  on  the  wound,  and  went  to  my  sad 
dle-bags  to  get  some  bandages,  when  my  rebel 
pony  laid  hold  of  my  arm  with  his  teeth  and  al 
most  tore  the  flesh  from  the  bone.     Not  content 
with  that,  he  turned  his  heels  in  an  instant  and 
kicked  with  both  feet,  sending  me  about  a  rod. 
My  arm  was  now  almost  as  bad  as  General  H.'s, 
and  I  could  do  but  little  to  help  him,  for  in  ten 
minutes  it  was  swollen  terribly,  and  I  could  not 
raise  it  to  my  head ;  finally  I  was  ordered  back  to 
an  old  saw-mill  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the 
field,  where  were  considerable  quantities  of  quar- 
termasters'  and  commissary  stores,  with  orders  to 
have  them  removed  further  to  the  rear ;  and  all 
who  were  able  to  come  to  the  front,  together  with 
the  surgeon  and  a  portion  of  the  hospital  corps 
who  had  been  left  there  in  charge  of  the  sick, 
were  to  lose  no  time  in  reporting  themselves  for 
duty  on  the  field. 

Upon  arriving  at  the  old  saw-mill  I  found  it 
crowded  with  wounded  men  who  had  crawled 
there  from  the  battle-field,  to  have  their  wounds 
dressed  if  possible,  and  if  not  to  lie  down  and  suf- 


180  IN     THE     OLD    MILL. 

fer  where  the  shot  and  shell  could  not  reach  them. 
I  delivered  my  orders.  In  a  few  moments  more 
there  was  not  a  soul  left  to  minister  to  those  poor 
fellows  who  were  huddled  together  in  that  mill  by 
the  score ;  all  had  gone  to  the  front,  and  I  was 
left  there  in  a  sad  plight. 

I  put  my  vicious  little  "  Reb  "  in  a  building  near 
the  mill,  where  there  was  plenty  of  hay  and  corn, 
but  did  not  dare  to  unsaddle  him.  I  then  exam 
ined  the  extent  of  the  injury  done  to  my  arm,  and 
found  it  was  worse  than  I  had  supposed.  It  was 
badly  mangled  by  the  horse's  teeth,  and  in  one 
place  a  large  piece  of  flesh  was  torn  from  the  arm 
and  hung  by  small  shreds.  But  the  arm  was  not 
the  worst ;  he  had  kicked  me  in  the  side,  which 
had  lamed  and  bruised  me  sadly.  Yet  this  was 
no  time  to  groan  over  a  slight  kick  from  a  horse, 
when  so  many  lay  around  me  with  shattered  limbs 
and  ghastly  saber  wounds,  some  of  them  even  now 
in  the  very  agonies  of  death.  So,  resolutely  say 
ing  to  pain  and  lameness,  "  Stay  thou  here  while 
I  go  yonder,"  I  bound  up  my  arm  in  a  sling,  and 
set  about  removing  the  blood-clotted  clothing  from 
the  wounds  of  those  who  needed  it  most;  but 
having  neither  knife  or  scissors,  I  was  obliged  in 
many  instances  to  use  my  teeth  in  order  to  tear 
the  thick  woolen  garments  stiffened  and  saturated 
with  blood,  the  very  remembrance  of  which  now 
makes  me  feel  rather  uncomfortable  in  the  gastric 
region ;  but  then  there  was  no  unpleasant  sensation. 


WAITING    ON    THE    WOUNDED.  181 

The  next  thing  to  be  thought  of  was,  how  I 
could  procure  some  bandages ;  but  as  to  getting 
them  from  the  saddle-bags,  I  would  as  soon  have 
thought  of  bearding  a  lion  in  his  den,  as  of  tempt 
ing  the  jaws  of  that  ferocious  animal  again.  How 
ever,  there  were  two  houses  within  a  mile,  and  I 
decided  to  try  my  fortune  in  that  direction.  First 
of  all  I  went  among  the  sick,  who  were  left  there 
by  the  surgeon,  and  inquired  if  there  were  any 
who  were  able  to  assist  me  in  dressing  wounds. 
Yes,  I  found  two  ;  one  a  little  mail-carrier,  and 
the  other  a  commissary  sergeant,  both  of  whom 
were  scarcely  able  to  stand  alone.  These  two  I 
set  to  work  pouring  cold  water  upon  the  wounded 
limbs  occasionally,  and  giving  the  men  waiter  to 
drink  until  I  returned. 

At  the  first  house  I  went  to  they  would  not  let 
me  in  at  all,  but  raised  the  window  and  wished 
to  know  what  was  wanted.  I  told  them,  anything 
that  would  admit  of  tearing  up  for  bandages.  No, 
they  had  nothing  of  the  kind,  and  closed  the  win 
dow  again.  I  limped  along  to  the  next  house. 
A  man  came  to  the  door,  holding  it,  to  prevent 
my  attempting  to  get  in.  The  same  question  was 
asked,  and  a  similar  answer  returned.  By  this 
time  my  patience  and  strength  were  both  exhaust, 
ed,  and  my  mind  was  made  up  with  regard  to  the 
course  I  should  pursue.  Therefore,  drawing  both 
my  pistols  from  my  belt,  I  demanded  some  cotton, 
new  or  old — sheets,  pillow-cases,  or  any  other 


182  MY    SUFFERINGS. 

article  which  would  answer  the  purpose  for  ban 
dages.  The  man  trembled  from  head  to  foot,  and 
called  his  wife  to  know  if  she  could  let  me  have 
anything  of  the  sort;  yes,  she  could,  if  I  would 
pay  her  for  it ;  and  of  course  I  was  willing  to  pay 
her ;  so  she  brought  me  an  old  sheet,  a  pair  of 
pillow-cases,  and  three  yards  of  new  factory  cotton 
cloth,  for  which  she  demanded  five  dollars.  Hap 
pening  to  have  only  three  dollars  in  change,  I  told 
her  I  thought  that  would  be  sufficient ;  and  so 
saying,  I  left  immediately. 

I  did  not  know,  until  I  had  proceeded  some 
distance,  that  the  blood  was  running  from  my  arm 
in  a  perfect  stream.  In  my  excitement  and  de 
termination,  I  had  grasped  one  of  my  pistols  with 
the  lame  hand  and  started  those  terrible  gashes 
bleeding  afresh.  I  grew  faint  and  dizzy,  and  sat 
down  by  the  road-side  to  gather  a  little  strength 
before  proceeding  further.  While  I  sat  there  I 
saw  a  horseman  coming  in  the  distance,  but  could 
not  tell  whether  it  was  friend  or  foe,  for  it  was 
growing  dark.  I  waited  until  he  came  nearer, 
when  I  was  rejoiced  to  see  that  it  was  a  chaplain; 
not  Mr.  B.,  but  of  course  he  was  a  good  man, 
being  a  chaplain  and  a  Federal.  So  I  felt  that 
relief  was  at  hand.  But  imagine  my  disappoint 
ment  and  chagrin  when  he  came  up  and,  priest- 
like,  looked  upon  me,  u  and  passed  by  on  the  other 
eide."  Well,  after  all,  I  did  not  care  so  much  for 
myself,  but  I  thanked  heaven  that  he  had  come  on 


X 

• 
BY    THE    ROADSIDE.  183 

the  poor  men's  account,  for  he  would,  no  doubt, 
do  much  during  the  night  to  relieve  their  suffer 
ings. 

Taking  courage,  I  made  my  way  slowly  toward 
the  mill,  where  I  found,  on  my  arrival,  the  chap 
lain  dismounted,  coat  off,  and  wisp  in  hand,  rub 
bing  and  brushing  every  speck  of  mud  from  his 
horse.  After  performing  this  important  duty,  he 
then  went  to  the  nearest  house,  ordered  supper, 
and  after  partaking  of  a  warm  meal,  he  returned 
to  the  mill.  Oh  how  glad  I  was  that  all  these 
preliminaries  were  gone  through  with,  for  now  he 
would  at  once  enter  upon  the  care  of  the  wounded, 
and  my  heart  ached  for  those  two  sick  boys,  who 
were  still  attending  to  the  wants  of  such  as  they 
could  assist,  notwithstanding  they  required  waiting 
upon  themselves. 

The  wounded  were  coming  in  faster  than  ever, 
and  I  was  busy  tearing  up  the  cotton  in  strips, 
and  trying  to  bind  up  some  of  the  poor  mangled 
limbs,  the  little  sick  sergeant  being  my  right  hand 
man.  I  looked  around  for  the  chaplain,  but  he 
was  no  where  to  be  seen.  I  hobbled  out  to  the 
building  where  I  had  seen  him  put  his  horse,  to 
see  if  he  had  really  gone  away ;  no,  he  had  not 
gone.  There  he  lay  on  the  floor,  upon  which  was 
a  quantity  of  hay,  wrapped  up  in  his  blanket,  ap 
parently  unconscious  that  there  was  any  such  thing 
as  suffering  in  the  world.  Oh  how  I  wanted  to 
go  to  him,  quietly  lay  my  hand  on  him,  and  say: 


184  BAD    CHAPLAINS. 

"  Chaplain,  will  you  be  so  kind  as  to  take  the  saddle 
from  my  horse  ;  it  has  been  on  since  early  morn, 
ng,  and  I  am  not  able  to  take  it  off."  Not  that  I  carec) 
particularly  for  having  the  saddle  removed,  but 
just  for  sake  of  having  "Reb"  bring  the  chaplain 
to  his  senses,  and  give  him  a  little  shaking  up,  so 
that  he  might  realize  that  these  were  war  times, 
and  that  consequently  it  was  out  of  the  question 
for  chaplains  in  the  army,  especially  in  time  of 
battle,  to 

Be  carried  to  the  skies 

On  flowery  b^ds  of  ease ; 
While  others  fought  to  win  the  prize, 

And  sailed  through  bloody  seas. 

But  instead  of  doing  so,  I  sat  down  and  wept 
bitter  tears  of  disappointment  and  sorrow,  and 
then,  with  a  heavy  heart  and  aching  limbs,  I  re 
turned  again  to  the  mill. 

All  that  weary  night  my  heart  burned  with  in 
dignation,  and  I  seemed  endowed  with  supernat 
ural  powers  of  endurance,  for  when  morning  came 
and  found  me  still  at  my  post,  without  having 
tasted  food  for  twenty-four  hours,  I  felt  stronger 
and  fresher  than  I  had  done  the  day  before.  My 
two  young  sick  friends  had  been  persuaded  to  lie 
down,  and  were  now  fast  asleep,  side  by  side 
with  the  wounded.  But  where  was  the  chaplain  ? 
What  had  become  of  him  ?  He  had  escaped  with 
the  earliest  dawn,  without  so  much  as  inquiring 
whether  the  men  were  dead  or  alive.  This  was 


A    STUMBLING    BLOCK.  185 

the  conduct  of  a  man  who  professed  to  be  a  faith 
ful  follower  of  Him  who  went  about  doing  good ! 
This  was  a  man  whom  I  had  reverenced  and  loved 
as  a  brother  in  Christ.  Oh,  what  a  stumbling- 
block  that  man  was  to  my  soul;  for  weeks  and 
months  Satan  took  occasion  to  make  this  a  severe 
temptation  and  trial  to  me.  I  was  tempted  to 
judge  every  Christian  by  that  unholy  example, 
and  to  doubt  the  truth  of  every  Christian  experi 
ence  which  I  heard  related  from  time  to  time. 
But,  thank  God,  I  had  the  example  of  my  faithful 
friend,  Mr.  B.,  to  counterbalance  this,  and  by  God's 
grace  I  was  enabled  to  rise  above  this  temptation. 
My  doubts  were  gradually  removed,  and  my  faith 
in  Christians  re-established — but  I  never  sufficiently 
recovered  from  my  feelings  of  disgust  towards  that 
particular  chaplain,  to  ever  again  be  able  to  per 
suade  myself  to  listen  to  a  sermon  delivered  by 
him,  or  to  attend  any  religious  meeting  at  which 
he  presided.  I  always  looked  upon  him  after 
wards,  as  "one  who  had  stolen  the  livery  of  heaven 
to  serve  the  devil  in ;  "  a  mere  whited  sepulchre, 
and  unworthy  the  sacred  name  of  a  minister  of 
the  Gospel. 

Oh,  may  our  sympathizing  breasts 

That  generous  pleasure  know; 
Kindly  to  share  in  others'  joy, 

And  weep  for  others'  woe. 

When  poor  and  'helpless  sons  of  grief 

In  deep  distress  are  laid ; 
Soft  be  our  hearts  their  pains  to  feel, 

And  swift  our  hands  to  aid. 


186  THE    BATTLE    RENEWED. 

On  wings  of  love  the  Saviour  flew, 
To  bless  a  ruined  race  ; 

"We  would,  0  Lord,  thy  steps  pursue, 
Thy  bright  example  trace. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

RENEWAL  OF  THE  BATTLE VICTORY  FOR  THE  FEDERAL  ARMS 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  ARMY MORE  DESPATCHES MY  BATTLE  TRO 
PHY —  PONY    REB'S   PERFORMANCES THE    HOSPITAL    TREE 

TOUCHING   SCENES BISHOP   SIMPSON THE   CROSS   AND   THE 

FLAG AFTER  THE  BATTLE DELAYS  BY  STORMS,  FLOODS  AND 

MUD — MC  CLELLAN'S  CALL  FOR  MORE  MEN — IN  READINESS  TO 
MARCH PROMISED  REINFORCEMENTS. 

NIGHT  brought  a  cessation  of  hostilities  to  the 
weary  troops,  but  to  neither  side  a  decided 
victory  or  defeat.  Both  armies  bivouaced  on 
the  bloody  field,  within  a  few  rods  of  each  other. 
There  they  lay  waiting  for  the  morning  light  to 
decide  the  contest.  The  excitement  and  din  of 
battle  had  ceased ;  those  brief  hours  of  darkness 
proved  a  sweet  respite  from  the  fierce  struggle  of 
the  day,  and  in  the  holy  calm  of  that  midnight 
hour,  when  silence  brooded  over  the  blood-washed 
plain,  many  brave  soldiers  lay  down  on  that  gory 
field- 

The  weary  to  sleep,  and  the  wounded  to  die. 

Sunday,  the  first  of  June,  dawned  beautifully, 
a  day  of  hallowed  rest  and  promise  to  the  millions 
who  rose  to  their  devotions,  ere  the  bell  called  them 
to  the  house  of  prayer,but  not  of  rest  to  the  weary, 


ADDRESS    TO    THE   ARMY.  187 

broken  armies  the  drum-beat  called  from  their 
wet  and  muddy  beds  to  renew  the  contest.  At 
a  quarter-past  seven  o'clock  the  battle  again  com 
menced,  and  raged  fiercely  until  about  noon.  Both 
armies  fought  with  determination  and  heroic  bra 
very  until  the  rebels  were  compelled  to  yield,  and 
victory  once  more  perched  upon  the  banners  of 
the  National  troops. 

I  came  on  the  field  about  ten  o'clock,  and  re 
mained  until  the  close  of  the  battle,  but  could  do 
little  more  than  look  upon  the  terrible  scene. 
General  McClellan  was  on  the  field  when  I  arrived. 
I  saw  him  ride  along  the  entire  battle-front,  and 
if  I  had  not  seen  him,  I  could  not  have  long  re 
mained  in  ignorance  of  his  presence — for  the 
cheers  from  all  parts  of  the  Federal  lines  told  as 
plainly  as  words  could  express  that  their  beloved 
commander  was  with  them,  amid  that  desperate 
struggle  for  victory.  It  was  a  terrible  slaughter — • 
more  than  fifteen  thousand  lay  upon  the  field.  It 
was  enough  to  make  angels  weep,  to  look  down 
upon  that  field  of  carnage.  The  dead  and  wound 
ed  of  the  enemy  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Union 
ists,  which  added  fearfully  to  the  labors  of  that 
exhausted,  battle- worn  army. 

On  the  evening  of  the  third  of  June,  General 
McClellan  issued  the  following  address  to  his 
troops,  which  was  read  on  dress  parade,  and  was 
received  with  tremendous  cheering : 

"  Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac !    I  have 


188  MORE    DESPATCHES. 

fulfilled  at  least  a  part  of  my  promise  to  you.  You 
are  now  face  to  face  with  the  rebels,  who  are  held 
at  bay  in  front  of  their  capital.  The  final  and 
decisive  battle  is  at  hand.  Unless  you  belie  your 
past  history,  the  result  cannot  be  for  a  moment 
doubtful.  If  the  troops  who  labored  so  faithfully 
at  Yorktown,  and  fought  so  bravely,  and  won  the 
hard  fights  at  Williamsburg,  West  Point,  Hanover 
Court-house  and  Fair  Oaks,  now  prove  themselves 
worthy  of  their  antecedents,  the  victory  is  surely 
ours.  The  events  of  every  day  prove  your  supe 
riority  ;  wherever  you  have  met  the  enemy,  you 
have  beaten  him ;  wherever  you  have  used  the 
bayonet,  he  has  given  way  in  panic  and  disorder. 

UI  ask  of  you,  now,  one  last  crowning  effort. 
The  enemy  has  staked  his  all  on  the  issue  of  the 
coming  battle.  Let  us  meet  him,  crush  him  here, 
in  the  very  centre  of  the  rebellion.  Soldiers !  I 
will  be  with  you  in  this  battle,  and  share  its  dan 
gers  with  you.  Our  confidence  in  each  other  is 
now  founded  upon  the  past.  Let  us  strike  the 
blow  which  is  to  restore  peace  and  union  to  this 
distracted  land.  Upon  your  valor,  discipline  and 
mutual  confidence,  the  result  depends." 

Every  battle  fought  on  the  Peninsula  fearfully 
reduced  the  strength  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
and  proved  to  a  demonstration  that  the  enemy  far 
outnumbered  the  Union  forces.  Still  there  were 
no  reinforcements,  notwithstanding  McClellan's 
daily  urgent  despatches  to  the  President  and  Sec- 


MY    BATTLE    TROPHY.  189 

retary  of  War,  and  the  great  impending  battle  in 
front  of  the  rebel  Capital  so  near  at  hand. 
r     The  next  day  McClellan  sent  another  despatch, 
as  follows: 

"Please  inform  me  at  once  what  reinforements, 
if  any,  I  can  count  upon  having  at  Fortress  Mon 
roe  or  White  House,  within  the  next  three  days, 
and  when  each  regiment  may  be  expected  to  ar 
rive.  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  I  should 
know  this  immediately.  The  losses  in  the  battle 
of  the  thirty-first  and  first  will  amount  \to  seven 
thousand.  Eegard  this  as  confidential  for  the  pres 
ent.  After  the  losses  in  our  last  battle,  I  trust 
that  I  shall  no  longer  be  regarded  as  an  alarmist. 
I  believe  we  have  at  least  one  more  desperate  bat 
tle  to  fight." 

The  day  after  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  a  splendid 
sword  was  presented  to  me.  It  had  been  struck 
from  the  hand  of  a  rebel  colonel,  while  in  the  act 
of  raising  it  to  strike  one  of  our  officers  after  he 
had  fallen  from  his  horse.  Oh,  how  proud  I  felt 
of  that  beautiful  silver-mounted  trophy,  from  the 
bloody  field  of  Fair  Oaks,  which  had  so  recently 
been  wielded  by  a  powerful  arm,  but  powerless 
now,  for  he  lay  in  the  agonies  of  death,  while  his 
splendid  sword  had  passed  into  my  feeble  hands. 
I  presume  if  he  had  known  this,  it  would  have 
added  another  pang  to  his  already  agonized  spirit. 
The  sword  was  presented  by  General  K,  to  whom 
I  gave  my  rebel  pony,  with  the  comforting  assur* 


190  REB'S  PERFORMANCES. 

ance  that  lie  was  only  intended  for  ornament,  and 
not  for  use ;  for  generals  were  too  scarce  on  the 
Peninsula  to  risk  their  precious  lives  by  coming  in 
contact  with  him.  The  General  was  delighted 
with  him,  and  without  paying  the  slightest  atten 
tion  to  my  suggestion  deliberately  walked  up  to 
the  pony  and  commenced  patting  him  and  hand 
ling  his  limbs  as  if  he  were  the  most  quiet  creature 
in  the  world,  while  "Reb"  stood  eyeing  his  new 
master  with  apparent  satisfaction,  and  seemed  to 
rejoice  that  he  had  passed  from  my  insignificant 
hands,  and  was  henceforth  to  be  the  honored 
bearer  of  shoulder-straps.  After  thoroughly  ex 
amining  him  he  said :  "  He  is  certainly  a  splendid 
horse,  and  worth  three  hundred  dollars  of  any 
man's  money ;  all  he  requires  is  kind  treatment, 
and  he  will  be  as  gentle  as  any  one  could  desire." 
But  "  Reb  "  very  soon  gave  him  to  understand 
decidedly  that  he  was  overrating  his  good  quali 
ties  ;  for  no  sooner  had  the  General  turned  his 
back  toward  him  than  he  struck  him  between  the 
shoulders  with  both  hind  feet,  sending  him  his  full 
length  upon  the  ground ;  and  as  soon  as  hje  at 
tempted  to  rise  he  repeated  the  same  performance 
until  he  had  knocked  him  down  four  or  five  times 
in  succession.  By  that  time  the  General  was  pretty 
thoroughly  convinced  that  "  Reb's"  social  qualities 
were  somewhat  deficient,  his  bump  of  combative- 
ness  largely  developed,  and  his  gymnastics  quite 
impressive. 


THE     HOSPITAL     TREE.  191 

On  the  evening  of  the  same  day  in  which  the 
victory  was  won  I  visited  what  was  then,  and  is 
still  called,  the  "hospital  tree,"  near  Fair  Oaks. 
It  was  an  immense  tree  under  whose  shady,  ex 
tended  branches  the  wounded  were  carried  and 
laid  down  to  await  the  stimulant,  the  opiate,  or 
the  amputating  knife,  as  the  case  might  require. 
The  ground  around  that  tree  for  several  acres  in 
extent  was  literally  drenched  with  human  blood, 
and  the  men  were  laid  so  close  together  that  there 
was  no  such  thing  as  passing  between  them ;  but 
each  one  was  removed  in  their  turn  as  the  sur 
geons  could  attend  to  them.  I  witnessed  there 
some  of  the  most  heart-rending  sights  it  is  possible 
for  the  human  mind  to  conceive.  Head  what  a 
Massachusetts  chaplain  writes  concerning  it : 

"  There  is  a  large  tree  near  the  battle-ground  of 
Fair  Oaks,  the  top  of  which  was  used  as  an  obser 
vatory  during  the  fight,  which  stands  as  a  memento 
of  untold,  and  perhaps  never  to  be  told,  suffering 
and  sorrow.  Many  of  the  wounded  and  dying 
were  laid  beneath  its  branches  after  the  battle,  in 
order  to  receive  surgical  help,  or  to  breathe  their 
last  more  quietly.  What  heart-rending  scenes  did 
I  witness  in  that  place,  so  full  of  saddened  memo 
ries  to  me  and  to  others.  Brave,  uncomplaining 
men  were  brought  thither  out  of  the  woodland, 
the  crimson  tide  of  whose  life  was  ebbing  away  in 
the  arms  of  those  who  carried  them.  Almost  all 
who  died  met  death  like  heroes,  with  scarcely  a 


192  TOUCHING    SCENES. 

groan.  Those  wounded,  but  not  mortally — how 
nobly  they  bore  the  necessary  probings  and  need* 
ed  amputations !  Two  instances  of  this  heroic  for 
titude  deserve  to  be  specially  mentioned.  One  of 
them  is  that  of  William  C.  Bentley,  of  the  Second 
Hhode  Island  regiment,  both  of  whose  legs  were 
broken  by  a  bomb-shell,  whose  wrist  and  breast 
were  mangled,  and  who  yet  was  as  calm  as  if  he 
suffered  no  pain.  He  refused  any  opiate  or  stim 
ulant  that  might  dim  his  consciousness.  He  asked 
only  that  we  should  pray  for  him,  that  he  might 
be  patient  and  submissive,  and  dictated  a  letter  to 
be  sent  to  his  mother.  Then,  and  not  till  then, 
opiates  were  given  him,  and  he  fell  gently  asleep, 
and  for  the  last  time. 

"  The  other  case  was  that  of  Francis  Sweetzer, 
of  Company  E,  of  the  Sixteenth  Massachusetts  Reg 
iment,  who  witnessed  in  death,  as  he  had  uniform 
ly  done  in  life,  a  good  confession  of  Christ.  '  Thank 
God,'  he  said,  '  that  I  am  permitted  to  die  for  my 
country.  Thank  God  more  yet  that  I  am  pre 
pared  to  die;'  and  then  after  a  moment's  thought 
he  modestly  added,  '  at  least  I  hope  I  am.'  When 
he  died  he  was  in  the  act  of  prayer,  and  in  that 
position  his  limbs  grew  rigid,  and  so  remained 
after  the  spirit  had  left  his  body." 

Oh,  who  that  has  witnessed  such  triumphant 
deaths  on  the  battle-field  will  presume  to  doubt 
that  the  spirit  of  that  patriot  who  falls  amid  the 
terrible  clash  of  arms  and  the  fierce  surge  of  bat- 


BISHOP    SIMPSON.  193 

tie,  is  prepared  to  go  from  that  scene  of  blood  and 
strife,  and  to  enter  into  that  rest  that  God  has  pre 
pared  for  them  that  love  Him?     Yes,  the  noble 
men  who   have  gone  from  under  the  sheltering 
wings  of  the  different  evangelical  churches  through 
out  the  land,  have  gone  in  the  strength  of  God, 
and  with  the  full  assurance  that  if  they  should  fall 
fighting  for   the    God-given  rights  of  humanity, 
there,  amid  the  shock  of  battle,  the  still,  small  voice 
of  Jesus  would  be  heard  speaking  peace  to  the 
departing  soul,  and  that  their  triumphant  spirits 
would  go  home  rejoicing  to  be  forever  with  the . 
Lord!     When  I  see  a  man  first  lay  himself  upon 
the  altar  of  God,  and  then  upon  the  altar  of  his 
country,  I  have  no  fear  for  that  man's  happiness 
in  time  or  in  eternity. 

Good  Bishop  Simpson,  of  the  Methodist  Episco 
pal  Church,  soon  after  the  outbreak  of  the  great 
rebellion^  delivered  a  sermon  on  the  National  cri 
sis,  at  Chicago.     It  is  represented  as  one  of  the 
ablest  efforts  of  this  clergyman,  so  distinguished 
for  his  power  in  the  pulpit.     As  it  was  one  of  the 
anniversaries  of  the  denomination,  thousands  were 
present  to  hear  the  discourse.     Suddenly,  at  one 
point  in  the  sermon,  and  as  the  fitting  close  of  a 
most  impassioned  paragraph,  he  gave  utterance  to 
the  following  noble  sentiment :   "  We  will  take  our 
glorious  flag,  the  flag  of  our  country,  and  nail  it 
just  below  the  cross!  That  is  high  enough.  There 
let  it  wave  as  it  waved  of  old.     Around  it  let  us 

_  Id 


194     THE  CROSS  AND  THE  FLAG. 

gather:  first  Christ's;  then  our  country's."  Oh, 
that  the  sentiments  of  the  following  beautiful  lines 
were  the  sentiments  of  every  heart  in  the  United 
States : 

0  Lord  of  Hosts !    Almighty  King ! 
Behold  the  sacrifice  we  bring ! 
To  every  arm  thy  strength  impart, 
Thy  spirit  shed  through  every  heart! 

Wake  in  our  breasts  the  living  fires, 
The  holy  faith  that  warmed  our  sires ; 
Thy  hand  hath  made  our  nation  free ; 
To  die  for  her  is  serving  Thee. 

Be  Thou  a  pillar'd  flame  to  show 
The  midnight  snare,  the  silent  foe , 
And  when  the  battle  thunders  loud, 
Still  guide  us  in  its  moving  cloud. 

God  of  all  nations  I  sovereign  Lord ! 
In  thy  dread  name  we  draw  the  sword, 
We  lift  the  starry  flag  on  high 
That  fills  with  light  our  stormy  sky. 

No  more  its  flaming  emblems  wave 
To  bar  from  hope  the  trembling  slave ; 
No  more  its  radiant  glories  shine 
To  blast  with  woe  one  child  of  Thine  I 

From  treason's  rent,  from  murderer's  stain, 
Guard  Thou  its  folds  till  peace  shall  reign, 
Till  fort  and  field,  till  shore  and  sea, 
Join  our  loud  anthem,  Praise  to  Thee  1 

I  cannot  better  describe  the  state  of  affairs  after 
the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks  than  by  giving  the  follow 
ing  despatch  from  McClellan,  dated  June  7th: 
"  In  reply  to  your  despatch  of  2  p.  m.  to-day,  I 
have  the  honor  to  state  that  the  Chickahominy 


AFTER    THE     BATTLE.  195 

river  has  risen  so  as  to  flood  the  entire  bottoms  to 
the  depth  of  three  or  four  feet ;  I  am  pushing  for- 
ward^the  bridges  in  spite  of  this,  and  the  men  are 
working  night  and  day,  up  to  their  waists  in  water, 
to  complete  them.    The  whole  face  of  the  country 
is  a  perfect  bog,  entirely  impassable  for  artillery, 
or  even   cavalry,  except  directly  in  the  narrow 
roads,  which  renders  any  general  movement,  either 
of  this  or  the  rebel  army,  entirely  out  of  the  ques 
tion  until  we  have  more  favorable  weather.    I  am 
glad  to  learn  that  you  are  pressing  forward  rein 
forcements  so  vigorously.     I  shall  be  in  perfect 
readiness  to  move  forward  and  take  Richmond  the 
moment  McCall  reaches  here  and  the  ground  will 
admit  the  passage  of  artillery.     I  have  advanced 
my  pickets  about  a  mile  to-day,  driving  off  the 
rebel  pickets  and  securing  a  very  advantageous 
position.     The  rebels  have  several  batteries  estab 
lished,  commanding  the  debouches  from  two  of 
our  bridges,  and  fire  upon  our  working  parties 
continually ;  but  as  yet  they  have  killed  but  few 
of  our  men." 

Again,  June  10th,  he  says:  "I  am  completely 
checked  by  the  weather.  The  roads  and  fields  are 
literally  impassable  for  artillery— almost  so  for  in- 
fantry.  The  Chickahominy  is  in  a  dreadful  state. 
We  have  another  rain  storm  on  our  hands.  I  wish 
to  be  distinctly  understood  that  whenever  the 
weather  permits  I  will  attack  with  whatever  force 
I  may  have,  although  a  larger  force  would  enable 


196  DELAYS    BY     STORMS. 

me  to  gain  much  more  decisive  results.  I  would 
be  glad  to  have  MeCafl's  infantry  sent  forward  by 
water  at  once,  without  waiting  for  his  artillery  and 
cavalry." 

The  next  day  the  Secretary  of  War  replied: 
"Your  despatch  of  3.30  p.  m.  yesterday  has  been 
received.  I  am  fully  impressed  with  the  difficul 
ties  mentioned,  and  which  no  art  or  skill  can 
avoid,  but  only  endure.  Be  assured,  General,  that 
there  never  has  been  a  moment  when  my  desire 
has  been  otherwise  than  to  aid  you  with  my  whole 
heart,  mind  and  strength,  since  the  hour  we  first 
met;  and  whatever  others  may  say  for  their  own 
purposes,  you  never  have  had,  and  never  can  have, 
any  one  more  truly  your  friend,  or  more  anxious 
to  support  you,  or  more  joyful  than  I  shall  be  at 
the  success  which  I  have  no  doubt  will  soon  be 
achieved  by  your  arms." 

The  above  despatch  has  the  appearance  of  the 
genuine  article — but  I  am  inclined  to  think  it  a 
clever  counterfeit.  While  McClellan's  requests 
were  cheerfully  complied  with,  as  far  as  promises 
were  concerned,  little  was  done  to  strengthen  his 
weakened  forces  in  view  of  the  coming  struggle 
with  an  overwhelming  force  in  front,  and  the 
flooded  Chickahominy  in  the  rear.  By  unreliable 
promises  he  was  filled  with  delusive  hopes,  and 
lead  on  to  more  certain  destruction — to  disaster 
and  failure,  at  least. 


CHAPTER  XY. 

LEAVE    OP  ABSENCE VISIT    TO  THE  WILLIAMSBURG    HOSPITALS— 
EFFECTIVE    PREACHING YORKTOWN    REVISITED — LONGINGS — • 

WHITE    HOUSE    LANDING TIRED  OF  IDLENESS PREPARATIONS 

TO     RETURN     TO     DUTY STUART*S     CAVALRY     RAID A     TRAIN 

FIRED    INTO FAIR    OAKS    GROVE THE    STRENGTH  OF   THE  EN 
EMY TRYING    TIMES     ON     THE     PENINSULA THE     ENDURANCE 

OF    OUR    SOLDIERS LABORS    OF    MR.    ALVORD. 

WHILE  preparations  were  going  on  for  the 
great  battle  in  front  of  Richmond,  I  obtained 
leave  of  absence  for  a  week,  and  recruited  my 
shattered  health,  lame  side  and  arm.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  B.  were  both  gone  home  on  furlough,  and 
Nellie  was  at  the  Williamsburg  Hospital.  I  thought 
I  should  like  to  visit  the  different  hospitals,  while 
I  was  thus  riding  round  from  place  to  place  in 
search  of  something  of  interest.  I  visited  Wil 
liamsburg  Hospitals,  both  Union  and  rebel,  and 
found  many  things  amusing  and  interesting. 

Nellie  was  delighted  to  see  me,  and  told  me 
much  of  her  experience  since  the  battle  of  Wil 
liamsburg.  Her  hand  was  still  in  a  sling,  which 
reminded  me  of  my  first  shot  at  a  rebel  female. 
She  was  a  most  faithful  nurse,  and  had  endeared 
herself  to  all  the  boys  by  her  kindness  and  patience 
toward  them.  She  introduced  me  to  several  of 


198  EFFECTIVE    PREACHING. 

her  favorites,  calling  each  by  some  pet  name,  to 
which  they  seemed  to  answer  as  a  matter  of  course. 
I  spent  a  day  and  a  night  there,  and  attended  a 
meeting  in  the  evening,  which  was  held  by  a  min 
ister  from  the  Christian  Commission  for  the  bene 
fit  of  the  wounded  soldiers.  Oh,  what  a  sermon 
was  that !  The  tender  mercies  of  the  Father,  the 
love  of  the  Son  of  God,  were  described ;  the  wail- 
ings  of  the  lost  and  the  raptures  of  the  redeemed 
were  portrayed  in  the  most  powerful  and  touching 
manner.  I  have  never  heard  the  sinner  invited 
to  the  cross  in  more  persuasive  strains  than  flowed 
from  his  lips. 

His  countenance  was  pleasing,  his  manners  cour 
teous,  and  his  deportment  unassuming.  .  He  did 
not  preach  one  of  those  high-toned,  intellectual 
discourses  which  we  so  often  hear,  and  which  al 
most  invariably  fail  to  reach  the  heart.  But  he 
preached  Christ  with  such  winning  simplicity,  such 
forgetfulness  of  self,  and  with  such  an  eager  yearn 
ing  after  souls,  that  even  the  most  depraved  were 
melted  to  tears.  How  soul-refreshing  is  this  sim 
ple  mode  of  preaching !  I  seem  to  see  him 
standing  before  me  now,  with  uplifted  hands, 
glowing  cheeks  and  streaming  eyes — and  though 
I  have  forgotten  much  of  the  discourse,  yet  I  can 
distinctly  remember  the  impression  which  it  made 
upon  me  then.  It  was  good,  humbling,  purifying. 
He  was  evidently  not  a  highly  educated  man,  yet 
he  proclaimed  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ  in 


YORKTOWN    REVISITED.  199 

such  a  way  as  to  make  the  proudest  eloquence  and 
the  most  profound  philosophy,  seem  in  comparison, 
"like  sounding  brass  or  tinkling  cymbal." 

Often,  when  hearing  a  certain  class  of  ministers 
preach,  I  am  reminded  of  the  saying  of  a  good 
Baptist  clergyman  with  regard  to  A.  and  B.,  two 
ministers  of  his  own  denomination :  "  When  I  hear 
Brother  A.  preach,  I  am  in  love  with  the  man ; 
but  when  I  hear  Brother  B.  preach,  I  am  in  love 
with  Jesus."  This  is  the  kind  of  preaching  we 
want — that  which  makes  us  fall  in  love  with  Jesus, 
instead  of  the  preacher.  Oh,  that  there  were  more 
of  Christ,  and  less  of  self,  preached. 

After  leaving  Williamsburg,  I  kept  on  down  the 
Peninsula  until  I  came  to  Yorktown.  After  visit 
ing  the  hospitals  there,  I  then  went  to  the  old 
camp  where  I  had  spent  so  many  weeks.  There 
were  the  dear  old  familiar  places,  but  all  that  gave 
them  interest  were  gone  now.  The  old  saw-mill, 
too,  was  gone,  and  all  that  remained  was  a  heap 
of  ruins,  to  tell  where  it  once  stood.  But  there 
was  a  spot  undisturbed,  away  in  the  corner  of  the 
peach  orchard,  under  an  isolated  pear  tree,  a 
heaped  up  mound,  underneath  which  rested  the 
noble  form  of  Lieutenant  Y.  It  was  sweet  to  me 
to  visit  this  spot  once  more.  I  knew  that  in  all 
probability  it  would  be  the  last  time ;  at  least  for 
a  long  period,  perhaps  forever. 

When  this  frail  body  shall  be  done  with  earth, 
And  this  heart  shall  be  free  from  care ; 


200  TIRED    OF    IDLENESS. 

When  my  spirit  enters  that  other  world, 
Oh,  say,  shall  I  know  thee  there  ? 

"When  the  last  hours  of  life  are  closing  around 

And  death's  summons  coineth  to  me ; 
Will  God  send  an  angel  messenger  down  ? 

Shall  I  know  the  bright  spirit  as  thee  ? 

Rest  weary  heart,  rest  patient  and  wait, 

Till  thy  happiness  cometh  to  thee ; 
Thou'  It  meet  and  thou'  It  know  when  thou  gainest  that  shore 

Which  opes  to  eternity. 

From  Yorktown  I  went  to  the  White  House 
Landing,  where  everything  looked  neat,  orderly, 
peaceful  and  happy,  as  a  quiet  little  country  vil 
lage.  The  grounds  were  laid  out  in  broad  streets 
and  squares,  which  were  swept  clean  as  a  floor, 
and  there  were  long  rows  of  snow-white  tents, 
with  their  neatly  printed  cotton  sign-boards,  uto 
guide  the  traveler  on  his  way "  to  the  different 
head-quarters,  provost  marshal,  hospital,  sutlers, 
blacksmith,  etc. 

After  spending  a  day  there,  and  beginning  to 
feel  tired  of  idleness,  I  made  up  my  mind  to  re 
turn  to  camp  again.  So  going  to  Colonel  Ingalls, 
I  procured  transportation  for  myself  and  horse, 
and  stepping  aboard  of  a  provision  train  destined 
for  Fair  Oaks  Station,  I  anticipated  a  pleasant 
ride ;  but,  as  usual,  was  blessed  with  quite  a  little 
adventure  before  I  reached  my  destination.  The 
train  started,  and,  after  steaming  over  the  road 
for  some  time  at  its  usual  rate,  had  reached  the 
vicinity  of  Tunstall's  Station,  when  we  heard  the 


FIRED    INTO.  201 

down  train  whistle,  and  immediately  after  a  sharp 
volley  of  musketry  was  fired  in  the  same  direction. 
The  engineer  switched  off  the  track,  and  awaited 
the  other  train.  It  came  thundering  on  as  if  the 
engineer  was  possessed  by  the  sauve  qui  pent 
spirit,  and,  as  it  passed,  the  wildest  confusion  was 
visible  on  board,  and  the  groans  of  the  wounded 
could  be  heard  above  the  screaming  of  the  engine. 
On  it  went,  like  a  streak  of  lightning,  signaling 
for  our  train  to  follow. 

There  was  no  time  to  be  lost ;  our  train  was 
immediately  in  hot  pursuit  of  the  other,  and  both 
were  soon  at  the  White  House.  Among  those  I 
saw  taken  from  the  cars  wounded,  was  the  spy 
whom  I  had  met  in  the  rebel  camp  in  front  of 
Yorktown,  and  heard  haranguing  his  fellow  coun 
tryman  upon  the  important  service  he  had  ren 
dered  the  Confederate  Government,  and  confess 
ing  himself  to  be  the  cause  of  Lieutenant's  Y's 
death. 

Everything  was  thrown  into  wild  confusion  by 
the  arrival  of  the  trains  and  the  news  of  the 
attack.  The  troops  at  the  White  House  were 
immediately  called  out  under  arms  to  protect  the 
depot.  All  this  excitement  had  been  produced 
by  a  detachment  of  Stuart's  cavalry,  consisting  of 
about  fifteen  hundred  men,  and  which  resulted  in 
the  slight  disaster  to  the  train ;  the  burning  of 
two  schooners  laden  with  forage,  and  fourteen 
Government  wagons  ;  the  destruction  of  some 


202  STUART'S  CAVALRY  RAID. 

sutler's  stores ;  the  killing  of  several  of  the  guard 
and  teamsters ;  some  damage  done  to  TunstalTs 
Station ;  and  the  tearing  up  of  a  portion  of  the  rail 
road.  There  was  but  little  damage  done  to  the 
train,  considering  that  there  were  three  hundred 
passengers.  Some  military  officers  of  high  rank 
were  on  board,  who  would  have  been  a  rich  prize 
for  the  rebels  if  they  had  succeeded  in  capturing 
the  train ;  but  it  had  eluded  their  grasp  by  the 
admirable  conduct  and  presence  of  mind  of  the 
engineer,  who  crowded  on  all  possible  steam,  and 
escaped  with  his  freight  of  human  life  with  only 
a  loss  of  fourteen  in  killed  and  wounded. 

As  soon  as  the  wounded  were  taken  care  of  I 
visited  the  provost  marshal,  and  made  known  the 
fact  that  there  was  among  the  wounded  a  rebel 
spy  who  required  immediate  attention.  He  sent 
a  guard  with  me,  who  searched  his  person  and 
found  satisfactory  proof  that  my  statement  was 
correct.  He  was  only  slightly  wounded,  and  by 
the  time  the  railroad  was  repaired  he  was  able  to 
bear  the  fatigue  of  a  journey  to  headquarters,  and 
I  returned  to  camp. 

On  the  twenty-fifth  of  June  the  battle  of  Fair 
Oaks  Grove  was  fought.  Hooker's  command  had 
been  ordered  to  occupy  a  new  and  important  po 
sition,  when  they  were  suddenly  attacked  while 
passing  through  a  dense  thicket  and  almost  impas 
sable  swamp.  The  foe  was  gradually  pushed  back 
until  he  was  obliged  to  seek  safety  behind  his 


FAIR    OAKS    GROVE.  203 

rifle-pits.  About  noon  General  McClellan,  who 
had  remained  at  headquarters  to  communicate  with 
the  left  wing,  rode  upon  the  field  and,  to  the  joy 
of  his  soldiers,  ordered  them  again  to  advance. 
The  order  was  cheerfully  obeyed,  and  after  re 
newed  desperate  fighting,  at  sunset  the  day  was 
won  by  the  Federal  arms. 

At  this  time  it  was  not  necessary  for  me  to  use 
any  stratagem  in  order  to  visit  the  rebel  encamp 
ment,  for  all  that  was  necessary  to  be  known  of 
the  rebel  force  and  movements  had  been  already 
ascertained.  Consequently  I  was  quietly  awaiting 
further  developments,  and  while  waiting  was  try 
ing  to  make  myself  generally  useful  in  the  hospi 
tals.  A  singular  case  came  under  my  notice  there*: 
that  of  a  man  being  stunned  by  the  near  approach 
of  a  cannon-ball.  It  did  not  come  in  contact  with 
even  his  clothing,  and  yet  he  was  knocked  down 
senseless,  and  for  several  days  he  could  neither 
hear  nor  speak. 

I  think  the  most  trying  time  that  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  ever  had  on  the  Peninsula  was  in 
front  of  Richmond,  just  before  the  seven  days7 
battle — that  is  to  say,  if  anything  could  be  worse 
than  the  seven  day's  battle  itself.  A  heavy  and 
almost  incessant  firing  was  kept  up  day  and  night, 
along  the  entire  left  wing,  and  the  men  were  kept 
in  those  rifle  pits,  (to  say  in  water  to  the  knees  is 
a  very  moderate  estimate),  day  after  day,  until 
they  looked  like  fit  subjects  for  the  hospital  or 


204  TRYING    TIMES. 

lunatic  asylum,  and  those  troops  in  camp  who 
were  not  supposed  to  be  on  duty,  but  were  kept 
in  reserve,  were  often  called  out  ten  times  in  one 
night.  The  firing  would  become  so  alarmingly 
hot  that  it  was  supposed  a  general  engagement 
was  at  hand  ;  but  on  going  out  to  the  front,  per 
haps  it  would  cease  for  a  moment,  then  they  would 
be  ordered  back  to  camp  again.  In  that  manner 
I  have  known  the  entire  force  to  be  kept  in  mo 
tion  almost  all  night,  and  sleep  for  any  one  was  a 
thing  out  of  the  question. 

It  soon  became  evident  that  there  was  some 
movement  on  foot  which  was  not  understood  by 
the  great  mass  of  the  army,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
it  was  a  good  thing  that  the  troops  did  not  even 
imagine  that  a  retreat  was  already  being  planned 
by  their  commander.  The  men  endured  all  these 
hardships  most  uncomplainingly ;  yes,  cheerfully ; 
and  every  day  was  supposed  to  be  the  last  ere 
they  would  walk  the  streets  of  Richmond  trium 
phantly,  and  thus  reap  the  fruits  of  their  summer's 
campaign. 

The  constant  fire  kept  up  along  the  entire  line, 
and  the  frequent  charges  made  upon  rifle-pits,  rap 
idly  increased  the  numbers  in  the  hospital,  and 
kept  the  surgeons  and  nurses  busy  night  and  day, 
and  then  they  could  not  attend  to  all  who  required 
assistance.  Just  at  this  particular  juncture  I  re 
member  the  timely  aid  afforded  by  the  members 
of  the  Christian  Commission  and  Tract  Society. 


CHRISTIAN    COMMISSION.  205 

They  brought  relief  not  only  in  one  sense,  but  in 
many.  Spiritual  food  for  the  hungry,  dying  sol 
dier — consolation  for  the  worn  out  and  discour 
aged — delicacies  for  the  sick  and  feeble — warm- 
gushing  heart  sympathy  for  the  suffering,  and 
actual  assistance  with  their  own  hands  in  cases  of 
amputations,  and  the  removal  of  the  sick  from 
one  place  to  another.  Rev.  Mr.  Alvord  gives  a 
very  modest  account  of  the  services  which  he  ren 
dered,  when  he  says:  u I  went  to  the  hospitals, 
where  I  worked  hour  after  hour  with  the  sur 
geons.  Men  were  brought  in  with  all  sorts  of 
wounds.  Surgeons  were  scarce  and  were  engaged 
in  amputations,  so  you  know  I  could  attend  to  mi 
nor  matters.  Where  the  bullet  had  gone  through 
body  or  limb,  I  could  dress  it  perhaps  as  well  as 
any  one ;  also,  all  sorts  of  flesh  wounds.  I  cannot 
tell  you  of  the  variety  of  operations  I  performed. 
The  wounds  had  been  stiffening  since  the  day  be 
fore,  not  having  been  dressed.  I  enjoyed  the 
work,  as  in  every  case  such  relief  was  given. 
Then  I  could  carry  water  to  the  thirsty,  and  speak 
words  of  comfort  to  the  dying ;  for,  as  you  may 
suppose,  there  were  many  in  this  state." 

Again  he  says:  u  Just  now,  by  my  side,  lies  a 
Philadelphia  zouave,  a  fine  boy  to  whom  I  have 
been  ministering.  I  gave  him  some  hot  tea,  with 
the  charming  crackers  Mr.  Broughton  sent ;  he  is 
now  sitting  up,  looking  more  cheerful.  I  mention 
this  in  detail,  that  you  may  have  a  specimen  of 


206  MR.  ALVORD'S  LABORS. 

the  work  which  occupies  one  every  moment 
through  the  day  and  night,  who  is  able  or  willing 
to  work  in  this  department.  On  the  other  side 
of  me,  as  I  write  here  on  my  knees,  lies  a  colored 
boy,  haggard  and  sick,  to  whom  I  have  given 
medicine  and  similar  food.  His  dark  face  is  full 
of  gratitude." 

Many  an  hour  I  have  worked  and  watched  in 
hospitals  by  the  side  of  Mr.  Alvord,  and  marked 
his  cheerful  Christian  spirit  and  warm  sympathies 
for  the  sufferers.  And  often,  on  a  march,  I  have 
gone  to  him,  and  asked  if  he  would  let  some  weary 
sick  soldier  ride  in  his  carriage,  who  had  fallen 
out  by  the  way — and  my  request  was  never  re 
fused,  although  to  do  so  he  would  sometimes  have 
to  walk  through  the  mud  himself,  his  horse  being 
frequently  heavily  loaded.  I  have  also  distributed 
publications  for  him,  and  have  stood  by  the  cot  of 
many  a  dying  soldier  where  he  has  ministered 
consolation  to  the  departing  spirit.  He  is  one  of 
those  who  will  have  many  stars  in  his  crown  of 
rejoicing  when  eternity  unfolds  the  results  of  his 
faithful  labors. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

CHANGE  OF  BASE  ACROSS  THE  PENINSULA  -  EVACUATION  OP 
WHITE  HOUSE  —  THE  MOVEMENT  -  BATTLE  OF  MECHANICS- 
VILLE  -  GAINES'  MILL  —  A  REPULSE  —  MC  CLELLAN's  DESPATCH  - 
HOSPITALS  IN  DANGER  -  CONVALESCENT  OFFICERS  -  LENDING 
MY  HORSE  -  A  LOTTERY  -  INSPECTING  FARM  STOCK  -  CATCHING 
A  COLT  -  DANGER  OF  CAPTURE  -  RIDING  FOR  LIFE  —  BETWEEN 
'  TWO  FIRES. 


employment  of  General  McDowell's  force 
in  the  defense  of  Washington,  and  its  failure 
to  co-operate  by  land  with  McClellan,  necessitated 
on  the  part  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  an  imme 
diate  change  of  base  across  the  Peninsula.  Such 
a  change  in  the  face  of  a  powerful  enemy  is  con 
sidered  one  of  the  most  hazardous  undertakings 
in  war.  But  McClellan  had  no  doubt  of  the  ability 
of  his  army  to  fight  its  way,  even  against  superior 
numbers,  through  to  the  James  River,  and  thus 
secure  a  new  position  for  an  advance  against  Rich 
mond. 

The  entire  energy  of  the  army  was  now  directed 
to  this  object.  A  despatch  was  sent  by  General 
Van  Vliet,  chief  quartermaster  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  to  Colonel  Ingalls,  quartermaster  at 
White  House,  as  follows  : 

uRun  the  cars  to  the  last  moment,  and  load 
them  with  provision  and  ammunition.  Load  every 


208  CHANGE    OF    BASE. 

wagon  you  have  with  subsistence,  and  send  them 
to  Savage's  Station,  by  way  of  Bottom's  Bridge. 
If  you  are  obliged  to  abandon  White  House,  burn 
everything  that  you  cannot  get  off.  You  must 
throw  all  our  supplies  up  the  James  River  as  soon 
as  possible,  and  accompany  them  yourself  with  all 
your  force.  It  will  be  of  vast  importance  to  es 
tablish  our  depots  on  James  River,  without  delay, 
if  we  abandon  White  House.  I  will  keep  you 
advised  of  every  movement  so  long  as  the  wires 
work ;  after  that  you  must  exercise  your  own 
judgment." 

All  these  commands  were  obeyed.  So  excel 
lent  were  the  dispositions  of  the  different  officers 
in  command  of  the  troops,  depots  and  gunboats, 
and  so  thorough  was  the  warning  of  the  approach 
of  the  enemy,  that  almost  everything  was  saved, 
and  but  a  small  amount  of  stores  was  destroyed  to 
prevent  them  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy.  General  Stoneman's  communications  with 
the  main  army  being  cut  off,  he  fell  back  upon 
White  House  Station,  thence  to  Yorktown,  when 
White  House  was  evacuated. 

On  the  twenty -sixth  instant  orders  were  sent  to 
all  the  corps  commanders  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
Chickahominy  to  be  prepared  to  send  as  many 
troops  as  they  could  spare  on  the  following  day 
to  the  left  bank  of  the  river.  General  Franklin 
received  instructions  to  hold  General  Slocum's  di 
vision  in  readiness  by  daybreak  on  the  twenty-sev- 


BATTLE     OF     MECH  ANICSVILLE.          209 

enth,  and  if  heavy  firing  should  at  that  time  be 
heard  in  the  direction  of  General  Porter,  to  move 
at  once  to  his  assistance  without  further  orders. 
At  noon,  on  the  twenty-sixth,  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  who  had  crossed  above  Meadow  Bridge, 
was  discovered  by  the  advanced  pickets  at  that 
point,  and  at  half-past  twelve  in  the  afternoon  they 
were  attacked  and  driven  in.  All  the  pickets 
were  now  called  in,  and  the  regiment  and  battery 
at  Mechanics ville  were  withdrawn. 

About  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  enemy 
formed  his  line  of  battle,  and  came  down  upon  our 
troops  like  a  torrent — attacking  the  entire  line. 
McClellan,  anticipating  a  fierce  onset,  was  prepared 
for  such  an  event,  and  gave  him  a  warm  reception. 
Our  artillery  occupied  positions  commanding  all 
the  roads  and  open  ground.  Timber  had  been 
felled,  rifle-pits  dug,  and  the  infantry  were  under 
cover  of  the  thick  woods.  All  remained  quiet 
until  the  rebel  mass  came  rushing  on — yelling  as 
they  came — within  a  short  distance  of  our  line, 
when  every  battery  and  division  opened  simulta- 
neoijsly  a  most  destructive  fire,  which  drove  the 
enemy  back  with  tremendous  slaughter.  Several 
other  attacks  were  made  on  our  lines  during  the 
afternoon,  which  proved  disastrous  to  the  enemy. 
At  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  the  firing  ceased> 
the  action  having  lasted  six  hours. 

During  the  night  the  heavy  siege  guns  and  wag 
ons  were  removed  to  the  right  bank  of  the  Chicka- 
14 


210  GAINES'    MILL. 

hominy,  and  most  of  the  troops  withdrawn,  un 
known  to  the  enemy.  About  noon  the  next  clay 
another  general  engagement  came  on,  and  after 
seven  hours  hard  fighting  the  left  flank  of  the  Fed 
eral  line  was  turned,  and  they  were  driven  from 
their  position. 

General  McClellan  says  :  "  About  seven  o'clock 
in  the  evening  they  threw  fresh  troops  against 
General  Porter  with  still  greater  fury,  and  finally 
gained  the  woods  held  by  our  left.  This  reverse, 
aided  by  the  confusion  that  followed  an  unsuccess 
ful  charge  by  five  companies  of  the  Fifth  Cavalry, 
and  followed  as  it  was  by  more  determined  assaults 
on  the  remainder  of  our  lines,  now  outflanked, 
caused  a  general  retreat  from  our  position  to  the 
hill  in  rear  overlooking  the  bridge.  French's  and 
Meagher's  brigades  now  appeared,  driving  before 
them  the  stragglers  who  were  thronging  toward 
the  bridge.  These  brigades  advanced  boldly  to 
the  front,  and  by  their  example,  as  well  as  by  the 
steadiness  of  their  bearing,  reanimated  our  troops 
and  warned  the  enemy  that  reinforcements  had 
arrived.  It  was  now  dusk.  The  enemy,  already 
repulsed  several  times  with  terrible  slaughter,  and 
hearing  the  shouts  of  the  fresh  troops,  failed  to 
follow  up  their  advantage.  This  gave  an  oppor 
tunity  to  rally  our  men  behind  the  brigades  of 
Generals  French  and  Meagher,  and  they  again  ad 
vanced  up  the  hill,  ready  to  repulse  another  attack. 
During  the  night  our  thinned  and  exhausted  regi- 


MCCLELLAN'S  DESPATCH.          211 

ments  were  all  withdrawn  in  safety,  and  by  the 
following  morning  all  had  reached  the  other  side 
of  the  stream." 

A  despatch  from  General  McClellan  to  Secre 
tary  Stanton,  on  the  twenty-eighth,  tells  a  sad 
story,  a  part  of  which  I  quote : 

"  Had  I  twenty  thousand,  or  even  ten  thousand 
fresh  troops  to  use  to-morrow,  I  could  take  Rich 
mond  ;  but  I  have  not  a  man  in  reserve,  and  shall 
be  glad  to  cover  my  retreat,  and  save  the  material 
and  personnel  of  the  army.  If  we  have  lost  the 
day,  we  have  yet  preserved  our  honor,  and  no  one 
need  blush  for  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  I  have 
lost  this  battle  because  my  force  was  too  small. 
I  again  repeat  that  I  am  not  responsible  for  this, 
and  I  say  it  with  the  earnestness  of  a  General  who 
feels  in  his  heart  the  loss  of  every  brave  man  who 
has  been  needlessly  sacrificed  to-day. 

"  In  addition  to  what  I  have  already  said,  I 
only  wish  to  say  to  the  President  that  I  think  he 
is  wrong  in  regarding  me  as  ungenerous,  when  I 
said  that  my  force  was  too  weak.  I  merely  inti 
mated  a  truth  which  to-day  has  been  too  plainly 
proved.  If,  at  this  instant,  I  could  dispose  of  ten 
thousand  fresh  men,  I  could  gain  the  victory  to 
morrow.  I  know  that  a  few 'thousand  more  men 
would  have  changed  this  defeat  to  a  victory.  As 
it  is,  the  Government  must  not  and  cannot  hold 
me  responsible  for  the  result. 

u  I  feel  too  earnestly  to-night.     I  have  seen  too 


212  HOSPITALS    IN    DANGER. 

many  dead  and  wounded  comrades  to  feel  other 
wise  than  that  the  Government  has  not  sustained 
this  army.  If  you  do  not  do  so  now,  the  game  is 
lost.  If  I  save  this  army  now,  I  tell  you  plainly 
that  I  owe  no  thanks  to  you,  or  to  any  other  per 
sons  in  Washington.  You  have  done  your  best 
to  sacrifice  this  army." 

While  the  battle  of  Games'  Mill  was  in  progress, 
I  was  despatched  to  several  hospitals  remote  from 
the  direct  line  of  communication,  with  orders  to 
the  surgeons,  nurses,  and  such  of  the  patients  as 
could  walk,  to  take  care  of  themselves  as  best  they 
could,  for  no  ambulances  could  reach  them ;  that 
the  army  was  retreating  to  the  James  River,  and 
if  they  remained  longer  they  would  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy. 

At  one  of  the  hospitals,  about  eight  miles  dis 
tant,  I  found  a  captain  and  three  lieutenants  with 
whom  I  was  acquainted.  They  were  just  recov 
ering  from  fever  and  unable  to  endure  much  fa 
tigue,  but  could  probably  reach  the  James  River 
if  they  should  try.  I  was  beset  on  every  side  to 
give  up  my  horse  to  one  and  to  another  of  them 
until  I  knew  not  what  to  say  or  do.  I  did  not 
feel  unwilling  to  give  my  horse  to  assist  them  in 
escaping  from  the  rebels,  and  walk  all  the  way 
myself,  but  I  knew  I  was  expected  to  return  im 
mediately  and  report  to  the  officer  in  command  of 
the  ambulance  corps,  and  undoubtedly  would  be 
required  to  perform  other  missions  during  the 


CONVALESCENT    OFFICERS.  213 

day.  But  all  such  excuses  as  these  were  thrown 
into  the  shade  by  the  powerful  oratory  of  the  con 
valescent  captain,  who  poured  forth  a  vehement 
torrent  of  overwhelming  arguments  which  would 
have  made  a  less  experienced  messenger  believe 
that  the  horse  was  for  the  captain  individually,  had 
been  sent  for  his  especial  benefit,  and  was  conse 
quently  entirely  at  his  disposal. 

His  eloquence  had  not  quite  this  effect  upon  me, 
notwithstanding  I  decided  to  give  up  my  horse 
and  to  take  the  consequences.  I  did  not  feel  so 
particularly  drawn  toward  Captain  A.  as  to  let 
him  have  the  horse  entirely  to  himself,  and  to 
leave  the  other  three  poor  fellows  to  live  or  die. 
Upon  coming  to  the  conclusion,  after  mature  de 
liberation,  to  part  with  my  faithful  horse,  the  same 
one  I  rode  on  the  Bull  Run  battle-field,  I  informed 
those  officers  of  my  intention.  But,  said  I,  not  for 
the  benefit  of  any  one  of  you  in  particular,  but  for 
the  mutual  benefit  of  all  four ;  then  I  proceeded 
to  make  arrangements  that  two  of  them  should 
ride  alternately,  and  not  faster  than  the  other  two 
could  walk.  Then  I  took  two  slips  of  paper  and 
told  them  to  cast  lots  to  see  who  should  ride  first. 

After  they  had  drawn  the  lots  to  settle  this  mat 
ter,  and  the  poor  captain  was  doomed  to  foot  it 
the  first  part  of  the  journey,  and  I  saw  that  he 
looked  rather  maliciously  at  me,  as  much  as  to  say 
that  I  had  assisted  fate  in  deciding  that  he  should 
walk  instead  of  ride,  the  thought  struck  me  that 


214  MY    LOTTERY. 

there  would  probably  be  some  trouble  when  it 
came  his  turn  to  ride.  So  I  delivered  the  fol 
lowing  brief  lecture,  which  was  especially  intend 
ed  for  his  ear:  "Gentlemen,  you  are  aware  that 
by  giving  you  my  horse  I  am  running  the  risk  of 
incurring  Major  N.'s  displeasure,  and  am  exposing 
myself  to  the  very  danger  from  which  I  am  assist 
ing  you  to  escape.  Now,  in  return,  I  make  one  re 
quest  of  you,  that  is  that  you  all  do  as  you  have 
agreed  to;  don't  play  false  one  with  the  other. 
Those  who  ride  are  not  to  go  faster  than  the  others 
can  walk,  and  you  are  to  ride  equal  distances  as 
near  as  you  may  be  able  to  judge,  unless  other 
wise  arranged  among  yourselves.  The  horse  you 
are  to  have  taken  care  of  when  you  arrive  at  your 
destination.  I  trust  these  matters  to  your  honor, 
but  if  honor  should  forget  to  assert  its  rights,  the 
case  will  be  reported  at  headquarters.'7 

There  were  several  others  in  the  same  hospital, 
but  some  were  unconscious  of  the  state  of  affairs 
around  them ;  others  were  conscious,  but  unable 
to  help  themselves  in  the  least.  One  of  the  noble 
hearted  nurses  refused  to  leave  those  helpless  men, 
whom  he  had  taken  care  of  so  long,  and  was  taken 
prisoner.  I  marked  that  noble  boy's  countenance, 
dress  and  general  appearance,  and  by  making  in 
quiry  afterwards  I  found  out  that  his  name  was  J. 
Robbins,  of  the  Second  Michigan  Regiment,  and 
after  he  had  undergone  .the  hardships  of  imprison 
ment  and  had  been  exchanged,  I  had  the  honor 


INSPECTING    FARM    STOCK.  215 

of  meeting  and  congratulating  him,  I  felt  that  it 
was  a  greater  honor  than  to  converse  with  many 
of  our  major  generals. 

As  I  turned  to  retrace  my  steps  I  began  to 
think  over  the  lottery  busines,  and  wondered  if  I 
had  not  introduced  a  species  of  gambling  into  my 
charitable  deed.  I  did  not  feel  clear  on  this  point 
until  I  thought  of  reading  in  the  Bible  something 
about  casting  lots.  Yes,  it  must  be  right,  for 
there  were  instances  of  it  in  the  Bible.  I  tried  to 
remember  an  instance  to  find  out  in  what  connec 
tion  I  had  read  it,  but  my  mind  was  quite  con 
fused,  and  it  required  some  time  to  recall  one  of 
those  passages.  After  a  while,  however,  I  thought 
of  the  one  where  the  Roman  soldiers  cast  lots  for 
the  vestments  of  the  Saviour,  but  this  text  did  not 
bring  much  comfort  to  my  mind;  I  was  somehow 
reminded  of  the  woman  who  had  named  her  child 
Beelzebub  because  it  was  a  Scripture  name,  and  I 
concluded  to  leave  the  further  discussion  of  the 
subject  until  a  more  convenient  season. 

I  remembered  now  of  having  noticed  a  farm 
house  when  I  came  that  way  in  the  morning^ 
around  which  were  a  number  of  horses,  mules,  or 
something  of  that  sort,  and  I  thought  it  would  be 
well  to  investigate  the  matter.  Moving  along  in 
that  direction  as  fast  as  possible,  I  soon  came  to 
the  house  and  saw  the  animals  there,  feeding  as 
before.  Whatever  I  intended  to  do  must  be  done 
quickly,  for  the  near  approach  of  the  cannonading 


216  CATCHING    A    COLT. 

warned  me  that  the  army  was  fast  retreating  and 
I  would  soon  be  cut  off  from  the  James  river  road. 
I  went  at  once  to  examine  the  stock  on  the  farm 
for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  whether  there  was 
anything  worth  appropriating. 

There  were  four  splendid  mules  and  a  colt,  but 
whether  the  colt  was  a  two  year  old  or  ten  I  could 
not  tell,  for  it  was  very  small  and  very  handsome, 
looking  much  like  an  Indian  pony,  and  it  might 
be  a  dozen  years  old.  But  the  all  absorbing  ques 
tions  in  my  mind  were  how  was  I  going  to  se 
cure  this  colt,  and  if  I  should  catch  him  what  was 
I  going  to  do  with  him,  having  neither  saddle  nor 
bridle?  I  went  to  the  barn,  looked  around  and 
found  an  old  halter  that,  for  want  of  something 
better,  would  be  of  service.  Now  was  the  time 
to  catch  the  colt,  but  this  was  easier  said  than 
done,  for  upon  going  towards  it  I  found  that  it 
was  about  as  wild  as  a  young  buffalo.  Not  dis 
couraged,  however,  I  started  it,  together  with  the 
mules,  in  the  direction  of  the  barn,  and  opened  a 
door  leading  into  a  long  shed  connected  with  the 
barn.  This  plan  succeeded  admirably,  for  they  all 
ran  into  the  shed  without  the  least  trouble.  But 
the  greatest  difficulty  was  to  put  the  halter  on  the 
colt  and  get  on  his  back ;  however,  I  at  length 
succeed,  and,  mounting  it,  started  toward  James 
river.  / 

The  enemy  had  by  this  time  succeeded  in  driv 
ing  the  Federals  from  their  first  position,  and 


RIDING    FOR    LIFE.  217 

were  now  between  them  and  me.  Turning  off 
from  the  main  road,  I  struck  out  into  the  woods 
and  rode  as  fast  as  possible.  The  woods  were 
open  and  clear  so  that  I  could  see  a  long  way 
ahead.  On  I  went  until  I  came  near  a  little 
thicket  so  dense  that  I  could  not  see  anything  be 
yond  its  border.  Not  daring  to  go  into  any  place 
which  looked  suspicious,  I  turned  to  go  round  it, 
when  my  ear  caught  the  click,  click  of  a  dozen 
rifles,  and  a  shower  of  Minnie  balls  came  round 
me  thick  as  hailstones,  but  not  one  of  them  pierced 
even  my  clothing.  My  colt  took  fright  at  this  unex 
pected  salute,  and  plunged  into  the  woods  in  an 
other  direction  with  the  speed  of  lightning. 

I  soon  came  to  an  open  field  and  saw  in  the  dis 
tance  a  large  number  of  soldiers.  One  glance 
convinced  me  that  they  were  Federals,  for  they 
wore  United  States  uniform.  Bounding  over  the 
field  in  an  instant  I  had  'come  within  a  hundred 
yards  of  them  before  I  noticed  that  they  were 
prisoners,  guarded  by  a  band  of  rebels.  The  first 
thing  that  caused  me  to  discover  this  fact  was  one 
of  the  prisoners  waving  his  hand  for  me  to  go  in. 
another  direction,  upon  seeing  which  one  of  the 
rebel  guards  sprang  forward  and  struck  the  pris 
oner  with  the  butt  of  his  musket. 

This  little  demonstration  revealed  to  me  at  once 
my  position,  and  turning  I  fled  in  the  direction 
indicated  by  the  prisoner,  when  another  volley 
followed  me  which  proved  as  harmless  as  the  first. 


218  BETWEEN    TWO    FIRES. 

I  began  now  to  think  that  I  was  about  as  safe  in 
side  the  rebel  lines  as  anywhere,  for  their  bullets 
seemed  quite  harmless  so  far  as  I  was  personally 
concerned.  I  remenrbered  that  when  I  was  a 
child,  I  heard  my  mother  once  tell  a  Scotch  Pres 
byterian  clergyman  she  was  afraid  I  would  meet 
with  some  violent  death,  for  I  was  always  in  some 
unheard  of  mischief,  such  as  riding  the  wildest  colt 
on  the  farm,  firing  off  my  father's  shot-gun,  and 
climbing  to  the  highest  point  of  the  buildings.  To 
which  the  good  old  predestinarian  replied :  "Ah 
weel,  my  guid  woman,  dinna  fret;  it  is  an  auld 
raying,  an'  I  believe  a  true  one,  'A  wean  that's 
born  to  be  hung  'ill  ne'er  be  droon'd.' '  Then 
turning  to  me  and  laying  his  hand  on  my  head,  he 
said :  u  But,  me  wee  lassie,  ye  mauna  tempt  Prov 
idence  wi'  your  madcap  antics,  or  ye  may  no  live 
oot  half  your  days."  I  did  not  know  after  all  but 
that  the  fates  were  reserving  me  for  a  more  ex 
ulted  death  on  the  scaffold  at  Kichmond — for  the 
old  minister's  words  would  occasionally  ring  in 
my  ears:  "If  the  wean  is  born  to  be  hung  it  will 
ne'er  be  droon'd" — and,  I  added,  or  be  shot 
either.  I  was  now  outside  of  the  rebel  lines,  but 
I  was  just  between  two  fires,  and  tremendous  hot 
ones 'at  that,  for  the  whole  lines  were  a  perfect 
blaze  both  of  musketry  and  artillery.  Nothing 
but  the  power  of  the  Almighty  could  have  shielded 
me  from  such  a  storm  of  shot  and  shell,  and 
brought  me  through  unscathed.  It  seems  to  me 


NEW    POSITION.  219 

now  that  it  was  almost  as  much  of  a  miracle  as 
that  of  the  three  Hebrew  children  coming  forth 
from  the  fiery  furnace  without  even  the  smell  of 
fire  upon  them. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


TROWBRIDGE  S  GRAVE — SCENES  IN  A  HOSPITAL CAPTURE  OF 

THE  WOUNDED A  NOBLE  SURGEON LINE  OF  BATTLE HARD 

FIGHTING THE  ENEMY  REPULSED HUNTING  FOR  FOOD IN  A 

FARM-HOUSE PERILOUS    POSITION SECURING   THE  SPOILS 

BELIEF    OF     THE     FAMISHING SUBLIME     SCENE ON    THE 

MARCH GENERAL   KEYES GUN-BOATS ARRIVAL   AT   HARRI- 

SON's  LANDING SAD  CONDITION  OF  TROOPS OUR  LOSSES 

MC  CLELLAN'S  ADDRESS  TO  THE  ARMY. 

WHEN  I  reached  the  main  army  the  troops 
had  gained  a  new  position,  and  were  driv 
ing  the  enemy  back.  The  troops  were  well  nigh 
exhausted,  yet  fighting  bravely  and  determinedly. 
Night  came  and  put  an  end  to  that  day's  battle, 
but  instead  of  spending  the  night  in  taking  care 
of  our  poor  wounded  men,  we  were  obliged  to 
retreat,  under  cover  of  darkness,  to  Malvern  Hill, 
and  leave  our  wounded  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 
Of  the  many  who  died  from  exhaustion,  as  well 
as  wounds,  during  our  retreat  from  the  vicinity  of 
Richmond,  I  know  of  none  more  worthy  of  record 
than  that  of  a  young  man  of  my  acquaintance  who 
died  on  the  field  the  night  after  this  battle.  He 


220      WITHDRAWAL    TO    MALVERN    HILL. 

was  not  wounded,  but  died  at  his  post  from  sheer 
exhaustion.  In  the  course  of  the  evening,  I  had 
seen  and  offered  him  some  brandy  from  my  flask, 
which  I  had  for  the  wounded.  He  was  then 
scarcely  able  to  stand  on  his  feet,  yet  he  refused 
to  take  the  brandy,  saying,  u  that  others  needed  it 
more  than  he  did;  and  besides,"  said  he,  "I  never 
take  any  intoxicating  liquor  under  any  circum 
stances." 

A  notice  of  his  death  by  an  eye-witness,  given 
under  the  heading,  "the  Soldier's  Last  Watch," 
says:  "A  lonely  grave,  a  little  apart  from  others, 
stands  on  the  ground  of  one  of  the  battles  fought 
in  the  retreat  from  Richmond,  in  the  summer  of 
1862,  which  bears  on  its  wooden  head-board  sim 
ply  the  name,  TROWBRIDGE. 

"  The  turf  covers  the  remains  of  a  youthful  sol 
dier  who  was  not  only  brave  and  patient,  but  ex 
emplary  as  a  Christian.  Those  battles  renewed 
from  day  to  day,  and  attended  by  so  many  hard 
ships,  destroyed  many  lives,  in  addition  to  those 
lost  in  conflict  with  the  enemy.  Hundreds  and 
thousands  of  our  gallant  men,  worn  out  by  march 
es,  fighting,  hunger,  and  loss  of  sleep,  became  dis 
couraged,  and  either  recklessly  threw  themselves 
into  the  jaws  of  death,  or  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy,  because  they  were  unable  to  keep  up  with 
their  more  robust,  though  not  braver  companions. 

"The  circumstances  of  the  death  of  one  of  these 
silent  martyrs  to  their  country  werfc  taken  down 


THE  SOLDIER'S  LAST  WATCH.        221 

from  the  lips  of  a  soldier  who  was  with  him  in  his 
last  hours.  It  is  all  that  may  be  known,  save  to 
a  few  bleeding  hearts,  of  one  who,  alas !  like  so 
many  others,  sleeps  in  that  saddest  of  all  places,  a 
battle-field.  The  worn-out  soldier,  the  day  before 
his  death,  said  to  his  lieutenant,  i  I  am  so  weak 
and  helpless,  I  do  not  know  what  I  can  do  further.7 
He  was  told  to  lie  down,  and  get  what  rest  he 
could  on  the  battle-field.  About  ten  at  night,  said 
his  companion,  as  we  were  talking  together,  an 
officer  of  the  company  came  up,  and  told  us  we 
should  retreat  at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  He 
ordered  us  to  stand  guard  till  then,  two  hours  each 
in  turn.  We  took  straws,  and  drew  lots  to  decide 
who  should  stand  first.  The  lot  fell  on  Trow- 
bridge.  I  threw  myself  on  the  ground,  under  a 
tree,  with  my  blanket  drawn  over  me,  and  was 
soon  fast  asleep.  At  twelve  I  was  aroused,  but 
said,  '  you  must  be  mistaken ;  it  cannot  be  five 
minutes  since  I  lay  down.'  We  had  been  ordered 
not  to  speak  aloud,  or  to  have  a  light ;  and  he  re 
plied  in  a  whisper,  '  Feel  the  hands  of  my  watch — • 
it  is  twelve.' 

UI  took  his  place,  and  he  was  soon  asleep,  or 
seemed  to  be.  At  half-past  one  o'clock  the  order 
came  to  move.  I  went  to  awake  Trowbridge,  but 
had  no  answer,  except  that  he  groaned  heavily 
once  and  again.  I  tried  to  soothe  him,  and  awake 
him  gently,  but 'he  turned  aside  his  head,  groaned 
once  more,  and  was  gone  I  struck  a  match,  and 


222  TROWBRIDGE'S  GRAVE. 

looked  upon  his  features;  they  were  set,  and 
ghastly  in  death.  I  placed  his  hand  on  my  cheek, 
and  asked  him  if  he  was  still  conscious  to  press  it. 
There  was  no  response ;  life  was  evidently  extinct. 

"I  made  an  attempt  to  find  the  surgeon,  or 
chaplain,  but  they  had  both  gone  forward  with  the 
army.  So  I  searched  his.pockets,  and  taking  from 
them  six  dollars  for  his  mother,  and  a  letter  di 
rected  to  himself,  I  replaced  the  envelope,  that  his 
name,  at  least,  might  be  known  to  those  who 
should  find  the  body.  Several  days  after  this,  I 
was  one  of  the  number  detailed  to  go  back  to  that 
spot  and  bury  the  dead.  On  searching  near  the 
place  where  Trowbridge  died,  I  found  a  grave 
with  a  wooden  tablet,  bearing  his  name.  Not  far 
distant  was  a  house  at  which  I  called,  and  asked 
the  inmates  if  they  knew  anything  of  that  grave. 
The  woman  of  the  family  then  brought  forward 
an  envelope,  (the  very  one  that  I  had  replaced), 
and  said  they  had  buried  a  soldier  there,  from 
whose  pocket  it  was  taken.  It  was  a  relief  to 
know  what  had  become  of  the  body.  Of  course 
I  wrote  to  his  mother,  sending  the  money,  and 
giving  an  account  of  her  son's  last  moments,  and 
his  burial." 

This  is  only  a  solitary  instance  of  the  bravery 
and  faithfulness  of  the  men  who  fought  those  terri 
ble  battles,  day  after  clay,  many  of  whom  died  with 
their  muskets  in  their  hands,  and  without  receiving 
a  wound,  died  from  hunger,  thirst,  and  fatigue. 


A     NOBLE    SURGEON.  223 

There  was  a  farm-house  near  the  battle-field, 
to  which  the  wounded  were  carried,  and  the 
surgeons  of  the  Union  Army  made  it  their  head 
quarters  during  the  battle.  I  will  not  attempt  to 
describe  the  scenes  which  I  witnessed  in  that 
building,  for  it  beggars  all  description.  The  poor 
fellows  seemed  to  know  that  they  could  not  be 
removed,  and  would  inevitably  fall  into  the  hands 
of  the  enemy.  One  man  asked  a  surgeon,  who 
had  just  performed  an  operation  on  one  of  his 
arms,  "  Doctor,  is  there  no  alternative — must  I  be 
taken  prisoner  ?  "  The  doctor  was  only  a  boy  in 
appearance,  a  little  Scotchman,  and  as  noble-heart 
ed  a  man  as  ever  amputated  a  limb.  He  replied, 
in  broad  Scotch,  "No,  my  man,  there  is  no  alter 
native  ;  but  keep  up  a  good  heart,  I  am  not  going 
to  leave  you,  I  shall  be  a  prisoner  for  your  sakes, 
and  will  take  care  of  you  as  long  as  I  can."  He 
did  so,  and  was  really  taken  prisoner,  but  was  not 
permitted  to  do  much  for  those  for  whom  he  had 
made  such  a  noble  sacrifice.  He  was  Doctor  Cle- 
land,  of  Detroit,  Michigan. 

When  the  order  was  given  to  retreat  that  night, 
I  started  with  my  colt,  having  a  good  saddle  and 
bridle  on  him  now,  which  I  had  taken  off  a  dead 
horse  on  the  battle-field,  and  reached  Malvern  Hill 
about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  After  hitching 
my  horse,  and  unstrapping  a  small  bag  of  oats  and 
my  blanket  from  the  saddle,  I  fed  him,  and  pro 
ceeded  to  take  a  glance  around,  to  see  how  things 


224  MALVERN    HILL. 

looked.  The  artillery  was  already  in  position,  and 
the  weary  troops  were  in  line  of  battle,  but  flat  on 
the  ground  and  fast  asleep — all  except  the  guards, 
who  were  pacing  backward  and  forward  in  front 
of  the  line,  ready  to  arouse  the  sleepers  at  any 
moment.  Feeling  safe  to  consign  myself  to  the 
arms  of  Morpheus  after  this  reconnoissance,  I  re 
turned,  wrapped  myself  in  my  blanket,  and  slept 
until  the  thundering  of  cannon  awoke  me  in  the 


morning. 


Malvern  Hill  is  an  elevated  plateau,  about  a 
mile  and  a  half  by  three-fourths  of  a  mile  in  area, 
nearly  cleared  of  timber,  and  with  several  con 
verging  roads  running  over  it.  In  front  there  are 
numerous  ravines.  The  ground  slopes  gradually 
toward  the  northeast  to  the  wooded  plain  beyond, 
giving  clear  ranges  for  artillery  in  different 
directions. 

The  batteries  were  advantageously  posted  on 
those  hills,  while  the  reserve  troops  were  sheltered 
as  much  as  possible  by  the  ravines.  The  artillery 
of  the  reserve  was  placed  in  position  so  as  to  bring 
the  concentrated  fire  of  sixty  guns  to  bear  upon 
the  enemy's  front  and  left,  approaching  from 
Richmond  or  White  Oak  Swamp.  The  brave 
Colonel  Tyler,  First  Connecticut,  with  great  exer 
tion  succeeded  in  getting  ten  of  his  siege  guns  ia 
position  on  the  highest  point  of  the  hill ;  the  men 
having  to  haul  many  of  them  up  by  hand.  Com 
modore  Rodgers,  commanding  the  flotilla  on 


HARD    FIGHTING.  225 

James  river,  placed  his  gun-boats  in  position  to 
protect  the  left  flank  and  to  command  the  ap 
proaches  from  Richmond. 

The  battle  commenced  about  nine  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  and  raged  all  day  with  terrible  fury. 
At  three  in  the  afternoon  the  enemy  attacked  our 
right  and  center  with  tremendous  force  both  of 
artillery  and  infantry.  The  artillery  was  replied 
to  with  good  effect,  but  our  infantry  lay  upon  the 
ground  and  withheld  their  fire  until  the  advancing 
column  was  within  short  musket  range,  when  they 
sprang  to  their  feet  and  poured  in  a  deadly  volley 
which  entirely  broke  the  attacking  force,  and 
drove  the  rebels  back  some  eight  hundred  yards 
in  great  confusion. 

The  battle  raged  most  furiously  hour  after  hour, 
the  enemy  advancing  in  massive  column,  often 
without  order,  but  with  perfect  recklessness;  and 
the  concentrated  fire  of  our  gun-boats,  batteries 
and  infantry  mowing  down  the  advancing  host  in 
a  most  fearful  manner,  until  the  slain  lay  in  heaps 
upon  the  field. 

At  four  o'clock  the  firing  ceased  along  the  rebel 
line,  and  it  was  supposed  the  battle  was  over ;  but 
it  proved  only  a  calm  before  a  more  terrible  storm. 

At  six  o'clock  the  enemy  suddenly  opened  upon 
the  left  of  our  line  with  the  whole  strength  of  his 
artillery,  and  fiercely  pushed  forward  his  column  of 
attack  to  carry  the  hill.  His  infantry  in  immense 
force  formed  under  cover  of  the  woods,  and 


226  HUNTING     FOR    FOOD. 

starting  on  a  run  across  the  open  space,  charging 
almost  up  to  the  muzzle  of  the  guns  of  our  advance 
batteries,  came  rushing  on  with  yells  and  impre 
cations — but  in  a  moment  the  whole  hill  was  one 
blaze  of  light — those  terrible  siege  guns  had 
belched  forth  a  murderous  fire,  and  a  simultaneous 
volley  from  the  gun  boats,  infantry  and  numerous 
batteries,  sent  the  enemy  reeling  back  to  shelter, 
leaving  the  ground  covered  with  their  dead  and 
wounded.  Then  our  men  dashed  forward  with 
the  bayonet,  with  wild  shouts  and  cheers,  capturing 
prisoners  and  colors,  and  driving  the  routed  rebels 
in  confusion  from  the  field. 

At  a  little  past  four  in  the  afternoon,  when 
there  was  a  lull  in  the  terrible  storm  of  grape  and 
cannister,  I  ventured  to  go  to  a  house  which  stood 
about  half  way  between  our  line  of  battle  and  that 
of  the  enemy.  I  found  a  large  quantity  of  flour, 
bacon,  smoked  ham,  etc.  The  appearance  of 
everything  in  the  house  indicated  that  the  family 
had  left  suddenly,  without  disturbing  anything. 
The  dishes  were  on  the  table,  as  if  the  family  had 
risen  from  dinner ;  the  beds  and  bedding  too  .re 
mained  undisturbed ;  the  late  inhabitants  seemed 
to  have  thought  of  nothing  but  of  saving  their 
lives  and  escaping  from  the  Yankees. 

I  was  not  long  in  searching  cupboard,  pantry 
and  store-room,  and  appropriating  tea,  baking- 
soda,  cream-of- tartar,  et  cetera.  But  in  order  to 
reach  the  house  unobserved  by  the  rebels  I  had 


PERILOUS    POSITION.  227 

been  obliged  to  crawl  there  on  my  hands  and 
feet,  and  now  the  question  arose  how  was  I  to 
carry  anything   back   with   me  ?     Taking  a  bed- 
quilt  I  spread  it  on  the  floor  and  commenced  se 
lecting  the  most  important  articles,  such  as  a  small 
bag  of  flour,  ham,  an  iron  spider,  a  large  coffee-pot, 
and  some  other  things ;  after  tying  these  up  in  the 
quilt  I  attached  a  long  bed-cord  to  the  bundle,  in 
tending  to  drag  it  along  the  ground.     Just  as  I 
was  completing  my  arrangements,  a  shell  came 
crashing  through  the  side  of  the  house,  and  pass 
ing  through  the  window  on  the  opposite  side,  it 
made  the  house  tremble  as  if  shaken  by  an  earth 
quake.     Then  another  and  another  came  in  quick 
succession  until  I  was  obliged  to  seek  refuge  in 
the  cellar.     The  rebels  evidently  thought  that  the 
house  contained  a  band  of  our  sharpshooters,  and 
were  determined  to  dislodge  them  if  possible,  for 
they  brought  three   pieces  to  bear  upon  it  for 
about  twenty  minutes,  until  they  succeeded  in 
setting  it  on  fire.     Before  the  echo  of  the  last 
shot  had  died  away  I  heard  the  crackling  of  the 
fire  above  my  headr  and  thought  it  prudent  to 
make  an  attempt  to  escape.    I  did  not  find  it  very 
difficult  to  do  so,  as  the  fire  was  principally  con 
fined  to  the  upper  part  of  the  house.     So  taking 
my  precious  burden  of  provisions,  which  still  lay 
unharmed  on  the  floor,  I  began  my  retreat  in  the 
same  manner  in  which  I  had  advanced,  drawing 

O 

my  pack  after  me  by  means  of  the  cord.     I  could 


228  RELIEF     OF    THE    FAMISHING. 

not  make  much  progress,  however,  for  I  found  it 
very  difficult  to  drag  that  immense  weight  over 
the  rough  ground.  But  I  at  length  succeeded  in 
reaching  the  lines,  and  was  hailed  by  hearty  cheers 
from  those  who  were  anxiously  awaiting  the  result 
of  my  hazardous  mission.  Several  of  the  boys 
caught  up  the  spoil  and  carried  it  to  the  rear7 
where  we  built  a  fire  and  commenced  cooking  im 
mediately.  An  hour  later  we  had  a  nice  lot  of 
hot  bread,  fried  ham  a.nd  tea  ready  for  disposal. 

Oh,  I  shall  never  forget  the  thrill  of  pleasure 
which  I  experienced  when  I  carried  this  food  and 
set  it  before  those  famishing  men,  and  saw  them 
eat  it  with  a  sort  of  awe  and  reverence  as  if  it 
had  fallen  from  heaven.  One  of  the  men  looked 
up,  with  moistened  eyes,  and  said  :  "  Bob,  do  you 
know  that  this  food  has  been  sent  us  by  our  heav 
enly  Father,  just  as  much  as  the  manna  was  sent 
to  the  Children  of  Israel  ?  That  boy  risked  his 
life  in  procuring  it  for  us,  but  he  never  would 
have  returned  from  that  burning  building  if  God 
"had  not  shielded  him  from  the  bursting  shell.  I 
believe  it  has  just  come  in  time  to  save  me  from 
sharing  the  fate  of  poor  Trowbridge." 

The  battle  of  Malvern  Hill  presented,  by  far,  the 
most  sublime  spectacle  I  ever  witnessed.  All  the 
battles  I  had  seen  before,  and  those  which  I  have 
seen  since,  were  nothing  to  be  compared  to  it. 
The  elevated  position  which  the  army  occupied, 
the  concentration  of  such  an  immense  force  in  so 


SUBLIME    SCENE.  229 

small  compass,  such  a  quantity  of  artillery  on  those 
hills  all  in  operation  at  the  same  time,  the  reflec 
tion  of  the  flashes  of  fire  from  hundreds  of  guns 
upon  the  dense  cloud  of  smoke  which  hung  sus 
pended  in  the  heavens,  turning  it  into  a  pillar  of 
fire  which  reminded  one  of  the  camp  of  the  Israel 
ites  and  of  God's  dealings  with  His  people  of  old, 
the  vivid  flashes  of  lightning,  the  terrific  peals  of 
thunder  mingled  with  the  continuous  blaze  of 
musketry,  sudden  explosions  of  shell  and  the 
deafening  roar  of  cannon,  combined  to  make  a 
scene  which  was  awfully  grand.  My  soul  was 
filled  with  the  sublimity  and  grandeur  of  the  scene, 
notwithstanding  the  ghastly  wounds  and  piteous 
groans  of  the  mangled,  helpless  ones  around  me. 
Thus  it  continued  from  seven  to  nine  in  the  even 
ing,  the  most  thrilling  picture  which  the  imagina 
tion  can  conceive. 

As  soon  as  the  firing  ceased  the  rear  of  the 
army  began  to  move  off  in  the  direction  of  Harri 
son's  Landing,  and  the  exhausted  troops  in  front 
threw  themselves  upon  the  ground  to  rest. 

The  greater  portion  of  the  transportation  of  the 
army  having  been  started  for  Harrison's  Landing 
during  the  night,  the  order  was  at  once  issued  for 
the  movement  of  the  army  upon  the  final  re 
pulse  of  the  enemy  at  Malvern  Hill.  The  troops 
were  to  move  by  the  left  and  rear;  General 
Keyes'  corps  being  ordered  to  remain  in  position 
until  all  had  moved  off— then  to  cover  the  retreat. 


230  HARRISON'S   LANDING. 

General  McClellan,  in  his  official  report,  awards 
great  credit  to  General  Keyes  for  the  manner  in 
which  he  carried  out  these  orders.  He  took  every 
advantage  of  the  ground  to  open  new  avenues  to 
aid  the  movement,  and  made  preparations  to  ob 
struct  the  roads  as  soon  as  the  army  had  withdrawn. 

In  this  way  the  march  to  Harrison's  Landing 
was  continued ;  the  bridges  were  all  destroyed 
and  timber  felled  across  the  roads  immediately 
after  the  army  passed,  thus  rendering  any  rapid 
pursuit  by  the  enemy  impossible.  The  trains  were 
kept  in  the  middle  of  the  road,  leaving  room  for 
the  infantry  on  each  side,  so  as  to  be  in  good  po 
sition  to  repel  any  attack  which  might  be  made 
during  the  march.  His  dispositions  were  so  suc 
cessful  that,  to  use  his  own  words:  UI  do  not 
think  more  vehicles  or  any  more  public  property 
were  abandoned  on  the  march  from  Turkey  bridge 
than  would  have  been  left,  in  the  same  state  of 
the  roads,  if  the  army  had  been  moving  toward 
the  enemy  instead  of  away  from  him ;  and  when 
it  is  understood  that  the  carriages  and  teams  be 
longing  to  the  army,  stretched  out  in  one  line, 
would  extend  not  far  from  forty  miles,  the  energy 
and  caution  necessary  for  their  safe  withdrawal 
from  the  presence  of  an  enemy  in  vastly  superior 
numbers  will  be  appreciated." 

"High  praise,"  says  the  commanding  general, 
"  is  also  due  to  the  officers  and  men  of  the  First 
Connecticut  Artillery,  Colonel  Tyler,  for  the  man- 


CONDITION    O-F    THE    TROOPS.  231 

ner  in  which  they  withdrew  all  the  heavy  guns 
during  the  seven  days  and  from  Malvern  Hill. 
Owing  to  the  crowded  state  of  the  roads  the 
teams  could  not  be  brought  within  a  couple  of 
miles  of  the  position ;  but  these  energetic  soldiers 
removed  the  guns  by  hand  for  that  distance,  leav 
ing  nothing  behind." 

The  enemy  followed  the  army  with  a  small  force, 
and  occasionally  threw  a  few  shells  at  the  rear 
guard,  but  were  quickly  dispersed  by  our  batteries 
and  gun-boats,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  third  of 
July  the  entire  army  reached  the  Landing. 

The  troops  presented  a  most  distressing  appear 
ance  as  they  drew  up  in  line,  and  stacked  their 
guns  at  Harrison's  Bar.  The  rain  had  been  pour 
ing  down  most  of  the  night,  and  was  still  drench 
ing  the  poor  battle-worn,  foot-sore  soldiers,  and 
turning  the  roads  into  beds  of  mortar,  and  the  low 
marshy  ground  at  the  Landing  into  such  a  condi 
tion  that  it  was  impossible  to  get  along  dry  shod, 
except  for  those  who  rejoiced  in  the  possession  of 
high  t)oots. 

The  aggregate  of  our  entire  losses  in  the  seven 
days'  battles,  from  the  twenty-sixth  of  June  to  the 
first  of  July,  inclusive,  was  ascertained,  after 
arriving  at  Harrison's  Landing,  to  be  fifteen  thou 
sand  two  hundred  and  forty-nine,  namely:  fifteen 
hundred  and  eighty-two  killed ;  seven  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  nine  wounded,  and  five  thou 
sand  nine  hundred  and  fifty-eight  missing. 


232  OUR    LOSSES. 

On  the  fourth  of  July  the  following  address  was 
issued  to  the  troops  by  General  McClellan : 

"  HEADQUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  | 
Camp  near  Harrison }s  Landing,  July  4,  1862.  j 

41  Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac : — Your 
achievements  of  the  last  ten  days  have  illustrated 
the  valor  and  endurance  of  the  American  soldier. 
Attacked  by  superior  forces,  and  without  hope  of 
reinforcements,  you  have  succeeded  in  changing 
your  base  of  operations  by  a  flank  movement,  al 
ways  regarded  as  the  most  hazardous  of  military 
expedients.  You  have  saved  all  your  material, 
all  your  trains  and  all  your  guns,  except  a  few  lost 
in  battle,  taking  in  return  guns  and  colors  from 
the  enemy.  Upon  your  march,  you  have  been 
assailed  day  after  day,  with  desperate  fury,  by  men 
of  the  same  race  and  nation,  skillfully  massed  and 
led.  Under  every  disadvantage  of  number,  and 
necessarily  of  position  also,  you  have  in  every  con 
flict  beaten  back  your  foes  with  enormous  slaugh 
ter.  Your  conduct  ranks  you  among  the  cele 
brated  armies  of  history.  No  one  will  now  ques 
tion  that  each  of  you  may  always  with  pride  say : 
4 1  belong  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.7  You 
have  reached  the  new  base,  complete  in  organiza 
tion  and  unimpaired  in  spirit.  The  enemy  may 
at  any  moment  attack  you.  We  are  prepared  to 
meet  them.  I  have  personally  established  your 
lines.  Let  them  come,  and  we  will  convert  their 


OLD    ACQUAINTANCES.  233 

repulse  into  a  final  defeat.  Your  Government  is 
strengthening  you  with  the  resources  of  a  great 
people.  On  this,  our  nation's  birth-day,  we  de 
clare  to  our  foes,  who  are  enemies  against  the  best 
interests  of  mankind,  that  this  army  shall  enter  the 
capital  of  the  so-called  confederacy ;  that  our  na 
tional  constitution  shall  prevail,  and  that  the  Union, 
which  can  alone  insure  internal  peace  and  exter 
nal  security  to  each  State,  '  must  and  shall  be  pre 
served,'  cost  what  it  may  in  time,  treasure,  and 
blood.'7 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

RETURN     OF    OLD     ACQUAINTANCES — THE     WOUNUEb    COLONEL 1 

VISIT   WASHINGTON — MILITARY  DISPLAY EPAULETS ARISTOC 
RACY — SPIRIT    OF    JOHNNY    BULL SOLDIERS*    FREE    LIBRARY 

CONTRABAND  CAMP — NEGRO  TESTIMONY — PATIENT    CHARLEY 

PAINFUL    POSITION BROTHER'S    LAST  CONVERSATION — RETURN 

TO    THE    ARMY— CHRISTIAN    COMMISSION GENERAL   HOWAKO's 

SPEECH. 

ABOUT  a  week  after  we  arrived  at  Harrison's 
Landing  a  number  of  our  absent  ones  joined 
us,  among  whom  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.,  Nellie, 
Jack,  my  wounded  darkie  friend  from  Williams- 
burg  Hospital,  and  last  and  least  of  all  came  that 
pusillanimous  coward,  Colonel  -  — ,  whom  I  had 
assisted  in  carrying  from  the  field  at  the  battle  of 
Williamsburg,  and  whom  Doctor  E.  had  ordered 
back  to  his  regiment  under  penalty  of  being  re- 


234       THE  WOUNDED  COLONEL. 

ported  to  his  superior  officer.  The  next  day  after 
the  arrival  of  this  individual  I  received  a  message 
requesting  me  to  appear  at  the  headquarters  of 
the  —  regiment.  I  started  immediately,  and  found 
to  my  astonishment  that  it  was  this  Colonel  who 
desired  an  interview  with  me. 

He  had  been  gone  on  furlough  ever  since  the 
battle  of  Williamsburg,  and  had  played  his  cards 
so  well  that  he  had  been  promoted  to  the  com 
mand  of  a  brigade.  He  had  also  managed,  by 
false  representations,  to  have  the  following  notice 
inserted  in  the  leading  newspapers  of  his  native 

State,  viz. :  uColonel was  severely  wounded  at 

the  battle  of  Williamsburg,  while  gallantly  leading 
a  desperate  charge  on  the  enemy's  works,  and  was 
carried  from  the  field,  but  no  sooner  had  the  sur 
geons  bound  up  his  wound  than  the  noble  and  pa 
triotic  colonel  returned  again  to  his  command  and 
led  his  men  again  and  again  upon  the  foe,  until 
the  day  was  won  ;  when  he  sank  upon  the  ground, 
exhausted  from  loss  of  blood  and  fatigue,  and  was 
carried  the  second  time  by  his  men  from  the  field." 

The  paper  in  which  this  false  statement  was 
published  found  its  way  to  camp,  and  Doctor  E. 
replied  to  it,  somewhat  changing  the  editor's  sen 
timents  with  regard  to  the  conduct  of  the  "noble 
and  patriotic  colonel."  He,  the  colonel,  had  now 
returned  to  wreak  vengeance  upon  Doctor  E. 

Going  to  his  tent  I  found  the  colonel  alone. 
He  arose  as  I  entered,  and  in  rather  an  excited 


OUR    INTERVIEW.  235 

manner  spoke  as  follows:  UI  am  informed  that 
you  are  one  of  the  persons  who  carried  me  off  the 
field  when  I  was  wounded  at  Williamsburg,  and 
witnessed  the  infamous  conduct  of  Doctor  E.,  and 
heard  the  insulting  language  which  he  used  to 
ward  me."  I  did  not  reply,  but  stood  gazing  at 
the  man  before  me.  He  looked  me  in  the  face 
for  the  first  time  since  I  entered,  and  discovering 
the  smile  of  contempt  which  I  could  not  suppress, 
he  seized  me  roughly  by  the  arm  and  exclaimed: 
u  See  here  boy,  what  do  you  mean  ?  Why  do  you 
not  answer  me  ?  "  I  replied  with  provoking  cool 
ness  and  the  same  sarcastic  smile :  "  Pardon  me, 
sir,  I  was  not  aware  that  you  asked  me  a  direct 
question ;  I  understood  you  to  say  that  you  were 
informed  that  I  was  one  of  the  persons  who  car 
ried  you  off  the  battle-field  at  Williamsburg.  I 
have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  thu&  far  your 
informant  was  correct." 

"Then  you  saw  the  treatment  which  I  received, 
and  heard  the  abusive  language  which  Doctor  E. 
made  use  of  on  that  occasion  ?  " 

"  I  saw  Doctor  E.  examine  you  carefully  nnd 
thoroughly,  and  when  he  could  discover  no  cause 
for  your  being  brought  there,  I  heard  him  say — 
4  Colonel,  you  are  not  wounded  at  all.  You  had 
better  let  these  boys  carry  you  back  to  your  regi 
ment  ;'  and  when  you  so  suddenly  recovered  your 
strength  and  sprang  to  your  feet,  making  use  of 
threats  and  profane  language,  he  said:  'If  you  do 


236  I    VISIT    WASHINGTON. 

not  return  to  your  regiment  within  fifteen  minute? 
I  will  report  you  to  General ." 

Suddenly  relaxing  his  grasp  of  my  arm,  he  as 
sumed  a  fawning  tone  and  manner,  and  taking  a 
paper  from  his  pocket  he  asked  me  to  put  my 
name  to  it,  and  he  would  reward  me  handsomely. 
I  took  the  document  from  his  hand  and  read  it 
carefully.  .  It  was  drawn  up,  as  near  as  I  can  re 
member  after  the  following  manner :  "  This  is  to 

certify  that   Colonel   has  been  infamously 

treated  and  maliciously  slandered  by  Doctor  E., 
while  said  colonel  was  suffering  from  a  wound  re 
ceived  at  Williamsburg  battle.  Two  of  the  under 
signed  carried  him  bleeding  from  the  field,  and 
witnessed  the  cruel  treatment  and  insulting  lan 
guage  of  Doctor  E." 

After  reading  the  document,  I  said  very  calmly 
and  decidedly,  "  Colonel,  I  must  decline  signing 
this  paper." 

By  this  time  I  had  become  indignant,  and  de 
termined  to  cut  short  the  interview ;  so  touching 
my  hat  in  mock  respect,  I  left  him  to  his  own 
reflections. 

Now  it  came  my  turn  to  visit  Washington — 
and  the  very  next  boat  that  left  the  landing  bore 
me  over  the  quiet  waters  of  the  James  river.  In 
due  time  I  reached  the  Capital,  and  spent  three 
days  in  visiting  the  hospitals  in  Washington, 
Georgetown  and  Alexandria,  and  various  other 
places  of  interest. 


-MILITARY    DISPLAY.  237 

I  was  commissioned  with  numerous  orders  and 
had  any  amount  of  messages  to  deliver  for  officers 
and  others ;  as  many  of  our  men  were  in  the  dif 
ferent  hospitals  in  those  cities,  and  I  was  expected 
to  find  them  and  deliver  letters,  packages,  etc. 

The  military  display  made  in  Washington  is 
certainly  astonishing,  especially  to  those  who  are 
accustomed  to  see  major  generals  go  round  in 
slouched  hats  and  fatigue  coats,  without  even  a 
star  to  designate  their  rank.  But  cocked  and 
plumed  hats,  scarlet  lined  riding  cloaks,  swords 
and  sashes,  high  boots  and  Spanish  spurs,  immense 
epaulets,  glittering  stars,  and  gaily  caparisoned 
horses,  are  to  be  seen  by  the  hundred  around  Wil- 
lard's  hotel  and  other  places  of  resort. 

I  noticed  that  some  in  particular  wore  painfully 
tight  uniforms  and  very  small  caps,  kept  on  by  some 
new  law  of  gravitation,  as  one  portion  rested  on 
the  bump  of  self  esteem  and  the  other  on  the 
bridge  of  the  nose.  "  Miss  Periwinkle"  says  of  this 
class  of  military  heroes:  "They  look  like  stuffed 
fowls,  and  ride  as  if  the  safety  of  the  nation  de* 
pended  upon  their  speed  alone." 

Chaplain  A.  H.  Quint  manfully  defends  the  mul 
tiplicity  of  epaulets  in  Washington,  and  very  ap 
propriately  remarks :  "  Willards  is  the  news  depot. 
Consider  how  easily  a  hundred,  interested  to  read 
the  bulletin  there,  could  assemble.  First,  the 
general-in-chief  is  in  Washington,  and  has  a  staff 
necessarily.  Secondly,  the  quartermaster  general, 


238         EPAULETS    AND     ARISTOCRACY. 

the  adjutant  general,  the  military  governor,  the 
paymaster -general,  and  the  surgeon-general,- have 
each  a  staff.  Thirdly,  'what  military  force  there  is 
in  the  city  has  officers.  Fourthly,  there  is  a  mul 
titude  of  surgeons  easily  mistaken  for  army  officers1, 
as  they  wear  uniforms.  Add  to  these  the  conva 
lescent  officers  just  able  to  move  about,  and  you 
have  hundreds  necessarily  in  Washington.  And 
of  course  the  display  of  epaulets  is  great.'7 

Notwithstanding  the  "  troublous  times,"  there 
are  generally  gay  times  at  the  Capital.  Levees 
and  public  receptions  are  frequent,  except  during 
the  reign  of  terror,  when  some  bold  dash  of  rebel 
cavalry  is  made  upon  the  devoted  city,  and  then 
there  is  a  genuine  panic  for  a  short  time. 

In  Washington  I  think  there  is  as  much  of  the 
aristocratic  spirit  as  you  will  find  in  the  United 
States.  People  there  are  respected  and  graded 
according  to  their  uniform;  everything  is  regu 
lated  according  to  caste,  and  it  is  as  David  Crock 
et  says  about  dining:  common  people  dine  at 
twelve,  common  clerks  in  departments  at  one, 
head  clerks  at  two,  representatives  at  three,  heads 
of  departments  at  four,  senators  at  five,  ambassa 
dors  at  six,  and  the  President — well,  he  doesn't 
dine  till  the  next  day. 

In  one  of  my  rambles  I  visited  the  Senate  cham 
ber.  It  was  unoccupied,  except  by  a  few  speci 
mens  of  young  America,  who  were  playing  leap 
frog  over  the  seats  and  desks.  I  leisurely  sur- 


SPIRIT    OF    JOHNNY    BULL.  239 

veyed  every  item  of  interest — sat  in  Sumner's 
chair,  and  recalled  the  scene  enacted  there  a  few 
years  previous,  and  in  imagination  thrashed  Brooks 
until  he  was  a  fit  subject  for  a  hospital — then  giv 
ing  him  a  farewell  coup  de  pied,  I  betook  me  to 
the  picture  galleries. 

After  admiring  Pocahontas  sufficiently,  and  gaz 
ing  at  expiring  heroes,  who  all  u  appeared  to  be 
quitting  their  earthly  tabernacles  in  convulsions," 
ruffled  shirts,  and  a  tremendous  shower  of  bomb 
shell,  until  my  head  ached ;  I  then  turned  for 
relief  to  the  noble  form  of  "  The  Father  of  his 
Country,"  which  looked  out  from  the  canvas  in 
all  the  princely  majesty  which  characterized  that 
great  and  good  man.  I  stood  wrapped  in  profound 
reverence,  when  a  friend  drew  my  attention  to  two 
paintings  which  I  had  not  noticed  before.  They 
represented  the  surrender  of  Lord  Cornwallis  and 
General  Burgoyne.  I  felt  a  warm  current  of  blood 
rush  to  my  face,  as  I  contemplated  the  humiliating 
scene — the  spirit  of  Johnny  Bull  triumphed  over 
my  Yankee  predilections — and  I  left  the  building 
with  feelings  of  humiliation  and  disgust. 

Next  in  order,  I  visited  the  "  Soldier's  Free  Li 
brary,"  in  Fifth  street,  under  the  superintendence 
of  John  A.  Fowle,  Esq.  He  has  accumulated  over 
two  thousand  five  hundred  volumes  of  well  select 
ed  historical,  biographical  and  religious  works. 
The  soldiers  in  the  different  hospitals  have  the 
free  use  of  the  library,  which  is  open  daily.  The 


240  SOLDIER'SFREE  LIBRARY. 

room  is  nicely  furnished,  and  the  pictures  hanging 
on  the  walls  give  it  a  cheerful,  home-look,  and  the 
soldiers  come  there  by  the  score.  It  is  an  excel 
lent  arrangement.  Thanks  to  the  benevolent 
hearts  and  hands  that  have  provided  such  a  luxury 
for  the  soldier. 

An  hour's  walk  through  the  contraband  camp 
was  amusing  and  instructive.  Here  were  speci 
mens  of  all  grades  of  the  negro  character,  from 
the  genuine  pious,  cheerful  trusting  Christian,  to 
the  saucy,  lazy,  degraded  creature,  which  genera 
tions  of  slavery  has  made  almost  on  a  level  with 
the  beasts  of  the  field.  But  all  of  them  kind- 
hearted,  merry-tempered,  and  quick  to  feel  and 
accept  the  least  token  of  kindness. 

Their  cheerfulness  is  proverbial ;  old  women, 
with  wool  white  with  age,  bent  over  the  wash-tub, 
grinned  and  gossiped  in  the  most  cheerful  man 
ner — girls  romped  with  their  dusky  sweethearts, 
and  mothers  tossed  their  babies  with  that  tender 
pride  and  mother-love  which  beautifies  the  black 
est  and  homeliest  face. 

All  were  happy,  'because  they  were  free — and 
there  seemed  to  be  no  room  for  anything  like 
gloom  or  despondency  in  their  hearts.  Men,  wo 
men,  and  children  sang,  whistled  and  laughed  to 
gether — and  whether  their  songs  were  of  heaven, 
or  of  hoe-cakes,  they  were  equally  inspiring. 

I  found  a  young  lady  there,  from,  the  North, 
who  had  come  to  Washington  with  the  intention 


CONTRABANDS.  241 

of  nursing  the  sick  soldiers,  but  her  sympathies 
being  divided  between  sick  America  and  down 
trodden  Africa,  she  decided  to  teach  the  contra 
bands  instead.  She  seemed  delighted  with  her 
employment,  and  the  little  black  faces  were  beam 
ing  with  joy  as  they  gathered  around  her  to  re 
ceive  instruction. 

One  colored  man  stood  listening  to  the  ques 
tions  which  were  being  asked  and  answered,  and 
looked  as  if  he  would  like  to  give  in  his  testimony. 
I  turned  to  him,  and  asked :  u  How  is  it  with  you? 
do  you  think  you  can  take  care  of  yourself,  now 
that  you  have  no  master  to  look  after  you  ? " 
u  Gosh  a-mighty,  guess  I  can  I  Ben  taking  car' 
of  self  and  massa  too  for  dis  fifteen  year.  Guess 
I  can  take  car'  of  dis  nig  all  alone  now/ 

While  at  one  of  the  hospitals  in  Alexandria,  the 
head  steward  told  me  the  following  touching  in* 
cident,  which  occurred  in  that  hospital.  Said  he : 

u  A  young  man  had  been  placed  under  our  care, 
who  had  a  severe  wound  in  the  thigh.  The  ball 
passed  completely  through,  and  amputation  was 
necessary.  The  limb  was  cut  up  close  to  the  body, 
the  arteries  taken  up,  and  he  seemed  Jo  be  doing 
well.  Subsequently,  one  of  the  small  arteries 
sloughed  off;  an  incision  was  made,  and  it  was 
taken  up.  4  It  is  well  it  was  not  the  main  artery,' 
said  the  surgeon,  as  he  performed  the  operation. 
1  He  might  have  bled  to  death  before  it  could  have 
been  taken  up.'  But  the  patient,  (Charley,  as  we 

16 


242  TOUCHING    SCENE. 

always  spoke  of  him),  got  on  finely  for  a  time, 
and  was  a  favorite  with  us  all. 

ulwas  passing  through  the  ward  one  night, 
about  midnight,  when  suddenly,  as  I  was  passing 

Charley's  bed,  he  spoke  to  me :  4  H ,  my  leg 

is  bleeding  again.'  I  threw  back  the  bedclothes, 
and  the  blood  spirted  in  the  air.  The  main  artery 
had  sloughed  off. 

u  Fortunately,  I  knew  just  what  to  do ;  and  in  an 
instant  I  had  pressed  my  thumb  on  the  place,  and 
stopped  the  bleeding.  It  was  so  close  to  the  body 
that  there  was  barely  room  for  my  thumb,  but  I 
succeeded  in  keeping  it  there,  and  arousing  one 
of  the  convalescents,  sent  him  for  the  surgeon, 
who  came  in  on  a  run. 

"  '  I  am  so  thankful,'  said  he,  as  he  saw  me,  i  that 
you  were  up,  and  knew  what  to  do,  for  otherwise 
he  must  have  bled  to  death  before  I  could  have 
got  here.' 

"  But  on  examination  of  the  case,  he  looked  ex 
ceedingly  serious,  and  sent  for  other  surgeons. 
All  came  who  were  within  reach,  and.  a  consulta 
tion  was  held  over  the  poor  fellow.  One  conclu 
sion  was  reached  by  all.  There  was  no  place  to 
work,  save  the  spot  where  my  thumb  was  placed; 
they  could  not  work  under  my  thumb,  and  if  I 
removed  it  he  would  bleed  to  death  before  the 
artery  could  be  taken  up.  There  was  no  way  to 
save  his  life. 

"Poor  Charley !     He  was  very  calm  when  they 


A    PAINFUL    POSITION.  243 

told  him,  and  he  requested  that  his  brother,  who 
was  in  the  same  hospital,  might  be  called  up.  He 
came  and  sat  down  by  the  bedside,  and  for  three 
hours  I  stood,  and  by  the  pressure  of  my  thumb 
kept  up  the  life  of  Charley,  while  the  brothers  had 
their  last  conversation  on  earth.  It  was  a  strange 
position  for  me  to  occupy,  to  feel  that  I  held  the 
life  of  a  fellow  mortal  in  my  hands,  and  stranger 
yet  to  feel  that  an  act  of  mine  must  cause  that  life 
to  depart.  Loving  the  poor  fellow  as  I  did,  it 
was  a  hard  thought ;  but  there  was  no  alternative. 
The  last  words  were  spoken.  Charley  had  ar 
ranged  all  his  business  affairs,  and  sent  tender 
messages  to  absent  ones,  who  little  dreamed  how 
near  their  loved  one  stood  to  the  grave.  The 
tears  filled  my  eyes  more  than  once  as  I  listened 
to  those  parting  words.  The  last  good:bye  was 
spoken ;  then  turning  to  me,  he  said :  '  Now, 

H ,    I   guess  you   had  better  remove   your 

thumb.'  C0h,  Charley!  how  can  I,'  said  I.  'But 
it  must  be  done,  you  know,'  he  replied.  ll  thank 
you  very  much  for  your  kindness,  and  now,  good* 
bye.'  He  turned  away  his  head.  I  raised  my 
thumb — once  more  the  life-current  gushed  forth, 
and  in  three  minutes  he  was  dead." 

Having  heard  and  seen  considerable  on  my  little 
pleasure  trip,  and  my  leave  of  absence  having 
nearly  expired,  I  prepared  to  return  once  more  to 
duty,  and  on  my  way  to  the  boat  I  was  fortunate 
enough  to  meet  with  some  of  the  Christian  Com- 


244  GENERAL    HOWARD. 

mission  delegates,  who  were  going  to  Harrison's 
Landing  on  the  same  boat,  and  had  quite  a  supply 
of  good  things  for  our  sick  and  wounded.  May 
God  bless  the  Christian  Commission — it  is  doing  a 
noble  work,  not  only  for  the  sick  and  wounded, 
but  for  our  soldiers  generally. 

General  Howard,  of  Maine,  that  noble  Christian 
patriot  of  whom  I  have  spoken  in  a  previous  chap 
ter,  was  one  of  the  speakers  at  the  great  meeting 
in  Philadelphia,  January  twenty-eighth,  the  second 
anniversary  of  the  United  States  Christian  Com 
mission.  He  delivered  a  most  touching  and 
appropriate  address  on  that  occasion,  and  as  it 
expresses  my  own  sentiments,  both  with  regard 
to  the  Christian  Commission  and  the  religion  of 
Christ  generally,  I  will  quote  a  portion  of  his 
speech,  for  the  benefit  of  my  readers  who  may  not 
have  read  it  elsewhere : 

"  I  may  be  allowed  to  speak  freely  to  the  friends 
who  are  here  to-night.  Let  me  tell  you  one  thing 
which  I  need  not  suppress  if  I  could,  and  that  is, 
that  I  feel  in  my  heart  a  deep  and  abiding  interest 
in  the  cause  of  my  Redeemer.  I  know  that  this 
is  also  the  cause  of  the  Christian  Commission,  and 
therefore  I  love  it,  and  identify  myself  with  it ; 
and  I  doubt  not  that  you  love  it,  and  will  do  ev 
erything  to  sustain  it,  for  a  like  reason.  And  now 
I  ask  you,  as  I  am  to  go  back  to  the  field  to  take 
up  my  cross  anew,  and  to  stand  up  night  and  day, 
evening  and  morning,  for  the  cause  of  Him  I 


CHRISTIAN    COMMISSION.  245 

love,  that  your  earnest,  importunate  prayers  may 
follow  me,  and  that  God  would  bless  the  soldiers, 
that  evil  may  be  repressed  among  them,  and  that 
when  they  go  into  battle  they  may  go  without  a 
fear,  because  they  know  in  whom  they  have  be 
lieved. 

UI  assert  that  the  highest  type  of  courage  is 
Christian  courage.  When  your  spirit  yearns  up 
to  God  in  prayer,  C0h,  Lord,  be  my  protector, 
and  in  this  peril  let  me  run  under  the  shadow  of 
thy  wing,'  then  you  will  fear  no  evil,  though  you 
walk  through  the  valley  and  the  shadow  of  death. 
My  friends,  these  things  are  realities  with  me. 
By  the  blessing  of  God,  by  his  spirit,  he  has  ena 
bled  me  to  have  a  clear  conviction  that  should  he 
take  me  away  I  shall  go  to  be  with  him.  Not 
because  I  am  good,  or  holy,  or  righteous;  but 
because  I  have  a  Saviour ;  an  all-sufficient  Saviour, 
who  is  able  to  save  even  the  chief  of  sinners  unto 
the  utmost.  Therefore,  I  am  able  to  say  that  I 
can  go  into  the  battle  fearing  no  evil.  And  would 
to  God,  for  their  sakes,  that  every  officer  in  the 
army  and  every  soldier  in  the  ranks  could  declare, 
in  sincerity  from  the  depths  of  his  heart,  that  God 
had  done  such  great  things  for  him !  These,  to 
me,  are  settled,  solemn  convictions ;  and  I  speak 
them  freely  and  frankly,  as  I  am  encouraged  to  do 
on  this  auspicious  occasion. 

"It  may  seem  to  some  that  it  is  expressing  one's 
feelings  too  publicly ;  but  I  think  it  well  for  me 


246  ITS    LABORS. 

to  bear  such  testimony  in  a  work  like  yours, 
which  contemplates  this  great  and  all-important 
result,  the  promotion  of  heart  religion  and  the  sal 
vation  of  souls.  And  especially  do  I  feel  this  in 
these  times  of  excitement  and  terror — over  the 
mere  temporal  accessories  of  war,  the  dreadful 
sacrifice  of  lives,  the  horrible  sights  of  wounds, 
the  caring  for  the  sick  and  wounded,  the  lamenta 
tions  for  the  dead — amid  all  this  I  fear  that  the 
still,  small  voice  has  not  always  been  listened  to ; 
the  silent  and  beautiful,  though  wonderful  work  of 
the  Spirit  of  God  has  not  been  seen,  and  its  im 
portance  felt  as  it  should  be  in  our  land.  This 
the  Christian  Commission  is  striving  to  accomplish ; 
it  seeks  to  keep  alive  the  spirit  of  Christianity 
among  our  soldiers.  Their  agency  is  the  leaven 
in  our  armies.  May  they  leaven  the  whole  lump  ! 

"It  is  this  only  that  will  prepare  us  for  our 
liberty.  This  bond,  the  bond  of  Christian  love,  is 
the  true  bond  after  all  that  shall  permanently 
unite  us.  There  is  no  other.  We  speak  of  the 
claims  of  commerce  and  trade,  of  corn  and  cotton, 
that  will  unite  the  sections  of  our  country ;  but 
these  are  temporary,  fluctuating,  perishing  links. 
The  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  is  the  lasting  bond 
that  connects  not  only  Maine  with  Massachusetts 
and  Massachusetts  with  Connecticut,  but  Maine 
with  Texas  and  Florida  with  Wisconsin. 

"  We  boast  of  being  an  asylum  for  all  nations. 
Prom  England,  Ireland,  France,  Germany,  Russia, 


ITS    OPEN    ARMS.  247 

and  almost  every  country  beyond  the  ocean,  come 
men,  women  and  children,  who  settle  down  in  our 
midst.  How  shall  we  cause  them  to  assimilate  to 
us?  How  shall  we  ever  make  them  good  and 
useful  citizens  ?  Will  it  be,  think  you,  by  merely 
giving  them  land  on  which  to  settle  ?  Will  they 
become  one  with  us  because  they  grow  in  materi 
al  wealth  and  prosperity?  No,  no!  Nothing 
but  an  education,  a  true  education  of  heart  and 
morals,  such  as  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ  imparts, 
can  ever  truly  and  safely  assimilate  all  these  het 
erogeneous  elements,  and  enable  us  to  be  truly 
one  people. 

"  The  gospel  has  its  victories  to  achieve  for  us 
as  well  as  the  sword.  Many  of  the  rebels  hated 
us  worse  before  the  war  than  they  do  now.  They 
respect  us  much  more  than  they  once  did,  after 
seeing  that  we  are  not  afraid  to  expose  our  bodies 
to  be  burned,  if  necessary,  in  a  just  cause — the 
cause  of  our  country  that  we  love ;  that  we  shrink 
from  no  sacrifice  of  money,  time  or  life  in  order 
to  maintain  and  perpetuate  the  beautiful  Govern 
ment  that  our  fathers  bequeathed  to  us.  But  this 
is  not  all.  They  have  felt,  too,  the  power  of  the 
spirit  of  kindness  and  love,  of  which  the  religion 
of  Jesus  has  borne  so  many  fruits  in  this  struggle. 

"  They  have  been  astonished  at  the  kindness 
which  has  'been  shown  to  them  when  they  have 
fallen  into  our  hands.  It  was  this  that  demoral 
ized  them  at  Vicksburg.  In  the  West  the  rebels 


248  ITS    FRIENDS. 

are  not  so  violent  as  they  were.  When  they  come 
into  our  lines  now  they  say  they  were  forced  to 
fight,  that  they  are  Union  men,  and  always  were 
Union  men.  And  they  are  coming  in  every  day. 
We  have  just  heard  that  when  General  Rosecrans 
took  command  of  the  Cumberland  army,  eight 
thousand  delivered  themselves  up  to  us.  And 
do  they  hate  us  ?  No !  We  have  melted  them 
down  by  Christian  kindness  and  love.  And,  my 
friends,  this  is  the  way  to  disarm  them.  I  believe, 
and  say  it  with  emphatic  assurance,  that  if  we  all 
have  the  spirit  of  the  Master  in  our  hearts  we  shall 
demoralize  them  wherever  we  find  them ! 

"I  do  not  advocate  any  shrinking  back  or 
checking  of  the  terrible  steeds  of  war.  No !  Fill 
up  the  ranks.  Make  the  next  campaign  more  vig 
orous  than  any  that  has  gone  before  it,  so  that  it 
shall  be,  by  the  Divine  help,  perfectly  impossible 
for  the  rebels  to  keep  the  field.  But  let  us  wield 
this  power  along  with  the  alleviating  and  saving 
influences  of  the  religion  of  Christ.  Let  these,  as 
diffused  by  the  Christian  Commission  and  in  other 
ways,  follow  our  armies  everywhere,  blessing 
friend  and  foe  alike,  and  we  shall  then  cause  the 
enemy  to  come  within  our  lines,  not  only  by  the 
eight  thousand,  but  by  the  sixteen  and  sixty  thou 
sand.  It  is  this  that  will  ruin  their  cause,  and 
finally  break  down  their  opposition." 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

MY     CONSTANT     COMPANION DISPELLING     THE      BLUES GENTL5 

NELLIE — FACES    IN    THE    HOSPITAL ASLEEP    AND  AWAKE MY 

HORSE    AGAIN AT  HARRISON'S  LANDING IMPATIENT  TO  MOVE 

DISSATISFACTION  IN  THE  ARMY — RETREAT  FROM  RICHMOND 

RETURN  TO  NEWPORT  NEWS— SUSPICIOUS  QUARTERS— SEARCHING 

THE    HOUSE    AND    FINDING    REBEL    SOLDIERS THANKS    TO    THE 

ARMY — OUR   ARRIVAL    AT    ACQUIA    CREEK. 

WHILE  we  remained  at  Harrison's  Landing  I 
spent  much  of  my  time  in  the  hospitals. 
Nellie  was  now  my  faithful  friend  and  companion, 
my  colleague  when  on  duty,  and  my  escort  on  all 
occasions  in  my  rides  and  rambles.  She  was  a 
splendid  woman,  and  had  the  best  faculty  of  dis 
pelling  the  blues,  dumps  and  dismals  of  any  per 
son  I  ever  met.  When  we  went  to  a  hospital  and 
found  the  nurses  looking  tired  and  anxious  and 
the  patients  gloomy  and  sad,  it  never  required 
more  than  half  an  hour  for  us  to  get  up  a  different 
state  of  feeling,  and  dispel  that  "  Hark-from-the- 
tombs-a-doleful-sound  "  sort  of  spirit,  and  we  inva 
riably  left  the  men  in  a  more  cheerful  mood, 
evidently  benefited  by  having  a  little  respite  from 
that  depressing  melancholy  so  prevalent  among 
the  sick,  and  so  often  indulged  by  nurses. 

In  our  own  hospital  we  generally  managed  to 


250  GENTLE    NELLIE. 

so  assort  and  arrange  the  patients  as  to  have  all  of 
the  same  temperament  and  disease  together,  so 
that  we  knew  just  what  to  do  and  what  to  say  to 
suit  each  department.  We  had  our  patients  di 
vided  into  three  classes ;  one  was  our  working  de 
partment,  another  our  pleasure  department,  and  a. 
third  our  pathetic  department.  One  we  visited 
with  bandages,  plasters  and  pins;  another,  with 
books  and  flowers ;  and  the  third,  with  beef  tea, 
currant  wine,  and  general  consolation.  Some 
times  Nellie  would  sit  and  fan  the  patients  for 
hours  in  the  latter  department,  and  sing  some 
soothing  pieces  in  her  soft,  sweet  strains,  until  she 
would  have  them  all  asleep,  or  quiet  as  babies.  I 
think  the  soldiers  may  truly  say  of  the  gentle 
Nellie: 

Her  soothing  tones  with  peace  beguile 

The  weary  hours  of  pain, 
And  make  the  lonely  sufferer  smile 

And  joy  to  come  again. 

Still  let  me  often  hear  thy  voice, 

Which  gently  whispers  peace, 
And  let  my  troubled  heart  rejoice, 

And  strains  of  sadness  cease ; 

Still  speak  to  me  of  pleasant  things — 

Of  faith,  and  hope,  and  joy ; 
Then  shall  I  rise  en  lightsome  wings 

Where  pains  no  more  annoy. 

I  used  to  watch  with  much  interest  the  coun 
tenances  of  those  men  as  they  lay  fast  asleep,  and 
I  often  thought  that  I  could  read  their  characters 
better  when  asleep  than  when  awake.  Some  faces 


ASLEEP    AND    AWAKE.  251 

would  grow  stern  and  grim — they  were  evidently 
dreaming  of  war,  and  living  over  again  those  ter 
rible  battles  in  which  they  had  so  recently  partici 
pated;  some  groaned  over  their  wounds,  and 
cursed  the  rebels  vigorously;  others  grew  sad, 
and  would  talk  in  the  most  pathetic  tones,  as  if 
the  pain  borne  so  silently  through  the  day  re 
venged  itself  now  by  betraying  what  the  man's 
pride  concealed  so  well  while  awake.  Often  the 
roughest  grew  young  and  pleasant  when  sleep 
smoothed  away  the  hard  lines  from  the  brow,  let 
ting  the  real  nature  assert  itself.  Many  times  I 
would  be  quite  disappointed,  for  the  faces  which 
looked  merry  and  pleasing  when  awake  would 
suddenly  grow  dark  and  hideous,  as  if  communing 
with  some  dark  spirits  of  another  world. 

One  poor  fellow,  whose  brain  was  injured  more 
than  his  body,  would  wear  himself  out  more  in  an 
hour  when  asleep  than  in  a  whole  day  when 
awake.  His  imagination  would  conjure  up  the 
wildest  fancies ;  one  moment  he  was  cheering  on 
his  men,  the  next  he  was  hurrying  them  back 
again ;  then  counting  the  dead  around  him,  while 
an  incessant  stream  of  shouts,  whispered  warnings 
and  broken  lamentations  would  escape  from  his  lips. 

I  became  acquainted  with  a  young  man  from 
Rhode  Island  in  one  of  the  hospitals,  who  was  the 
most  patient  and  cheerful  person  it  has  been  my 
lot  to  meet  under  such  circumstances.  I  find  the 
following  notice  with  regard  to  him : 


252  STRANGE    CONVERSION. 

"I  came  out  here,"  said  he,  "as  rough  and  as 
bad  as  any  of  them.  But  I  had  left  a  praying 
mother  at  home.  While  in  camp  at  Poolesville  I 
heard  that  she  was  dead.  After  that  her  image 
was  never  out  of  my  thoughts.  It  seemed  as  if 
her  form  appeared  to  me  as  in  a  mirror,  and  al 
ways  as  wrestling  for  her  wayward  son.  Go  where 
I  might  I  felt  as  if  I  saw  her  in  her  place  of  pray 
er,  kneeling  and  putting  up  her  petitions  to  God, 
and  not  even  the  roar  of  battle  could  drown  the 
soft  tones  of  her  voice." 

He  was  at  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks,  and  when  it 
ceased  sat  down  on  a  log,  exhausted,  by  the  way 
side,  and  then,  to  use  his  own  words,  he  "  thought 
over  the  matter."  Heaps  of  dead  men  lay  on 
every  side  of  him.  They  had  fallen,  but  he  was 
still  unharmed.  The  melting  words  of  his  mother's 
prayer  came  back  to  his  mind  with  new  power. 
He  thought  of  his  own  condition,  and  of  her  happy 
home,  so  far  removed  from  the  strife  and  agony 
of  war.  A  pious  soldier  of  his  company  noticed 
that  he  was  very  thoughtful,  and  inquired  the  rea 
son.  To  this  friend  he  opened  his  mind  freely, 
and  told  him  how  he  felt.  They  sought  occasion 
for  private  conference,  communed  together  and 
prayed;  strength  was  given  him  to  make  the  "last 
resolve,"  and  the  soldier  who  had  been  so  rough 
and  bad  became  a  soldier  in  the  Army  of  Jesus. 
The  sainted  mother  had  not  prayed  in  vain.  A 
battle  had  just  been  fought,  a  victory  won,  which 


MY    HORSE    AGAIN.  253 

* 

was  spreading  joy  throughout  the  nation ;  but 
here,  too,  was  a  triumph,  a  different  triumph,  such 
as  cause  the  angels  of  God  in  heaven  to  rejoice. 

Just  as  I  am,  without  one  plea, 

But  that  Thy  blood  was  shed  for  me, 

And  that  Thou  bid'st  me  come  to  Thee, 
0  Lamb  of  God  1   I  come. 

One  day,  while  employed  in  the  hospital  assist- 
ing  Nellie  in  some  new  arrangement  for  the  amuse 
ment  of  the  men,  I  received  a  letter  from  the 
captain  to  whom  I  had  given  my  horse  for  the  use 
of  himself  and  three  companions  on  the  retreat 
from  before  Richmond.  He  and  his  friends  had 
reached  the  James  river  in  safety,  and  had  been 
so  fortunate  as  to  get  on  board  of  one  of  the  trans 
ports  which  had  been  sent  for  the  wounded,  and 
were  now  comfortably  installed  in  a  hospital  in 
Washington.  He  also  wrote  that  he  had  given 
my  horse  in  charge  of  one  of  the  quartermasters 
of  General  G.'s  brigade,  a  piece  of  information 
which  I  was  exceedingly  glad  to  hear,  for  my  colt 
was  well  nigh  spoiled  on.  the  retreat,  and  if  it  had 
not  been,  was  not  fit  to  ride  much,  or,  indeed  at 
all,  to  do  it  justice,  for  it  proved  to  be  not  quite 
two  years  old. 

But  upon  finding  the  quartermaster  I  was  po 
litely  informed  that  he  had  bought  and  paid  for 
the  horse,  and  of  course  I  could  not  have  it.  I 
said  nothing,  but  went  to  General  M.'s  headquar 
ters,  stated  the  case,  and  procured  an  order  which 


254  AT  HARRISON'S  LANDING. 

brought  the  horse  in  double-quick  time,  and  no 
thanks  to  the  quartermaster. 

A  month  passed  away,  and  everything  remained 
quiet  at  Harrison's  Landing  and  vicinity.  The 
troops,  having  rested,  began  to  grow  tired  of  the 
routine  of  camp  life,  and  were  anxious  for 
another  brush  with  the  enemy.  The  vigilant  eye 
of  McClellan  noted  the  impatience  of  the  men,  and 
he  daily  kept  urging  the  necessity  of  reinforce 
ments,  and  protested  against  leaving  the  Peninsu 
la,  as  retreat,  in  his  opinion,  would  prove  disas 
trous  both  to  the  army  and  the  cause.  Our  com 
mander's  patience  was  well  nigh  exhausted,  as  the 
following  brief  despatch  of  July  30th  indicates : 

UI  hope  that  it  may  soon  be  decided  what  is  to 
be  done  by  this  army,  and  that  the  decision  may  be 
to  reinforce  it  at  once.  We  are  losing  much  valua 
ble  time,  and  that  at  a  moment  when  energy  and 
decision  are  sadly  needed." 

About  this  time  an  order  came  from  Washing 
ton  for  all  the  sick  to  be  sent  away,  without  giving 
any  definite  information  with  regard  to  the  in 
tended  movements  of  the  army. 

August  fourteenth  orders  came  for  the  army 
to  evacuate  Harrison's  Landing.  None  knew 
whither  they  were  going,  but  notwithstanding 
every  pains  was  taken  to  conceal  the  destination 
from  the  troops,  it  was  evident  that  we  were  re 
treating  ;  for  the  ominous  fact  that  we  turned  our 
backs  toward  Richmond  was  very  suggestive  of  a 


KETREAT    FROM    RICHMOND.  255 

retreat.  This  had  a  demoralizing  effect  upon  the 
troops,  for  they  had  confidently  expected  to  ad~ 
vance  upon  Richmond  and  avenge  the  blood  of 
their  fallen  comrades,  whose  graves  dotted  so 
many  hillsides  on  the  Peninsula,  and  whose  re 
mains  would  now  be  desecrated  by  rebel  hands. 
The  men  were  deeply  moved;  some  wept  like 
children,  others  swore  like  demons,  and  all  par 
took  in  the  general  dissatisfaction  of  the  movement. 

On  the  morning  of  the  sixteenth  the  whole  army 
was  en  route  for  parts  unknown.  Our  destination 
proved  to  be  Newport  News — a  march  of  nearly 
seventy  miles.  It  was  well  for  us  we  did  not  know 
it  then,  or  probably  there  would  have  been  more 
swearing  and  less  weeping  among  the  soldiers. 
So  far  as  I  was  personally  concerned,  I  had  a  very 
pleasant  time  during  that  march.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
B.,  Dr.  E.,  Nellie  and  myself,  made  up  a  small 
party,  independent  of  military  discipline,  and  rode 
fast  or  slow,  just  as  it  suited  our  fancy,  called  at 
the  farm-houses  and  bought  refreshments  when  we 
were  hungry,  and  had  a  good  time  generally. 
Nellie  rode  my  confiscated  colt,  and  pronounced 
it  a  perfect  gem.  Dr.  E.  playfully  said  that  he 
supposed  she  admired  it  because  it  was  a  rebel, 
and  I  suggested  that  he  too  must  be  a  rebel,  from 
the  same  premises. 

Time  passed  away  pleasantly  until  we  drew 
near  to  Yorktown,  where  sad  memories  interrupted 
the  animated  conversation.  Nellie  was  near  her 


256      RETURN  TO  NEWPORT  NEWS. 

former  home,  with  all  its  pleasant  and  sad  associa 
tions.  We  visited  the  grave  of  Lieutenant  Y.  I 
could  but  rejoice  that  he  had  been  taken  away 
from  the  evil  to  come.  He  had  been  saved  from 
all  those  terrible  marches  and  horrible  battles,  and 
from  this  distressing  and  humiliating  retreat  We 
hitched  our  horses  and  remained  some  time  there, 
some  of  the  party  gathering  the  rich,  ripe  fruit, 
which  hung  in  abundance  from  the  peach  trees 
around  us.  Before  leaving,  we  all  bowed  around 
the  grave  of  our  friei\d.  Chaplain  B.  offered  up 
an  ardent  prayer  that  we  might  all  be  faithful,  and 
follow  the  example  of  our  departed  loved  one,  as 
he  had  followed  Christ,  and  meet  him  where  war 
and  strife  would  be  heard  no  more. 

I  know  thou  art  gone  to  a  clime  of  light, 

To  a  world  of  joy  and  love, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  the  sunbeam's  flight, 

In  the  shadowless  above. 

And  I  will  rejoice  in  thy  smiles  again, 

And  hap'ly  thy  whisper  hear ; 
Dispelling  the  gloom  of  sorrow  and  pain, 

When  the  twilight  of  death  is  near. 

We  stopped  at  a  farm-house  one  evening  during 
our  march,  and  engaged  lodgings  for  the  night. 
The  house  was  very  large,  and  afforded  ample  ac 
commodations.  It  was  the  first  one  on  the  Penin 
sula  at  which  I  had  seen  a  strong,  healthy-looking 
man,  attending  to  his  farm  as  if  there  was  no  such 
thing  as  war  in  the  land.  The  lady  of  the  house 
was  an  active,  business-like  sort  of  woman,  and 


SUSPICIOUS    QUARTERS.  257 

went  to  work  to  make  us  comfortable.  But  there 
was  evidently  something  in  or  about  that  house 
which  was  not  just  right — and  we  had  not  been 
there  long  when  I  detected  suspicious  move 
ments,  and  drew  the  attention  of  Dr.  E.  to  the 
fact.  The  naan  seemed  very  uneasy  and  restless, 
going  from  one  room  to  another,  shutting  the 
doors  very  carefully  behind  him,  carrying  parcels 
up  stairs  in  a  half  frightened  way  which  increased 
our  suspicion.  I  proposed  to  our  little  party  that 
they  should  remain  while  I  rode  back  to  the  army 
for  a  detachment  of  the  provost-guard.  My  pro 
posal  was  agreed  to,  and  I  started  back  in  the 
direction  of  the  main  column. 

The  family  seemed  alarmed,  and  asked  a  great 
many  questions  concerning  my  departure,  to  which 
I  replied:  "I  am  only  going  a  short  distance;  I 
shall  probably  be  back  by  the  time  supper  is 
ready."  I  made  all  haste  after  I  disappeared 
from  view  of  the  house,  and  in  an  hour  I  was  on 
my  way  back  again,  having  succeeded  in  finding 
the  provost-marshal,  and  getting  a  corporal  and 
six  men  to  go  with  me.  They  entered  the  house 
boldly,  and  told  the  inmates  that  they  had  been 
informed  that  there  were  rebels  concealed  in  the 
house,  and  they  had  come  for  the  purpose  of 
searching  it ;  adding,  that  they  would  not  disturb 
anything,  if  their  suspicions  were  unfounded. 

The  lady  said  that  she  had  some  sick  persons  in 

the  house,  and  did  not  wish  them  disturbed,  as- 
17 


258  SEARCHING    THE    HOUSE. 

suring  them  that  her  family  were  all  Union,  and 
they  would  not  harbor  any  rebels  whatever.  But 
all  her  excuses  and  pretensions  did  not  deter  the 
guard  from  accomplishing  their  object.  So  march 
ing  up  stairs,  they  searched  every  room.  In  one 
room  were  found  four  rebel  soldiers,  or  guerillas, 
all  of  whom  pretended  to  be  very  ill.  Dr.  E.  was 
called  to  examine  the  patients,  and  pronounced 
them  well  as  he  was.  In  another  room  were  two 
officers ;  they  made  no  excuse  at  all,  but  said  that 
they  were  the  landlord's  sons ;  had  been  in  the 
rebel  service,  and  were  now  home  on  furlough. 
They  said  they  had  been  home  ever  since  Stuart's 
cavalry  raid  at  White  House,  and  were  waiting 
for  another  such  dash  in  order  to  get  back  again. 

The  provost-guard  marched  them  all  back  to 
headquarters,  which  was  in  the  saddle,  and  our 
little  party  thought  proper  to  take  shelter  that 
night  under  the  wing  of  the  main  column,  instead 
of  at  a  farm-house  where  we  were  not  sure  but 
that  our  lives  would  pay  for  that  piece  of  infor 
mation  given,  before  morning. 

The  army  marched  on  until  it  reached  the  trans 
ports.  Some  embarked  at  Yorktown,  some  at 
Newport  News,  and  others  at  Fortress  Monroe. 
The  troops  were  literally  worn  out  and  discour 
aged,  caring  but  little  where  they  went,  or  what 
they  did.  They  were  huddled  on  board  of  trans 
ports,  and  were  landed  at  Aquia  Creek. 

General  McClellan  finding  his  army,  as  he  had 


THANKS    TO    THE    ARMY.  259 

anticipated,  much  depressed  and  discouraged  in 
consequence  of  the  retreat  from  the  Peninsula, 
sent  the  following  appeal  to  General  Halleck : 
"  Please  say  a  kind  word  to  my  army,  that  I  can 
repeat  to  them  in  general  orders,  in  regard  to 
their  conduct  at  Yorktown,  Williamsburg,  West 
Point,  Hanover  Court-house,  and  on  the  Chicka- 
hominy,  as  well  as  in  regard  to  the  Seven  Days, 
and  the  recent  retreat.  No  one  has  ever  said  any 
thing  to  cheer  them  but  myself.  Say  nothing 
about  me ;  merely  give  my  men  and  officers  credit 
for  what  they  have  done.  They  deserve  it." 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac  had  performed  an 
enormous  amount  of  labor  in  making  entrench 
ments,  constructing  roads,  bridges,  etc.,  and  did 
it  with  the  most  gratifying  cheerfulness  and  devo 
tion  to  the  interests  of  the  service.  During  the 
entire  campaign  they  had  fought  ten  severely  con 
tested  battles,  and  had  beaten  the  enemy  on  every 
occasion,  showing  the  most  determined  bravery 
and  invincible  qualities  it  was  possible  for  an  army 
to  exhibit.  They -had  submitted  to  exposure,  sick 
ness  and  death,  without  a  murmur  ;  and  they  de 
served  the  thanks  of  the  government  and  the  peo 
ple  for  their  services. 

On  arriving  at  Aquia  Creek,  we  found  ourselves 
the  victims  of  another  rainstorm.  Five  of  us  went 
on  board  of  a  little  steam-tug,  and  thus  escaped  a 
severe  drenching  during  the  night,  for  we  had  not 
yet  seen  our  tents.  When  morning  came  we  were 


260  AT    AQUIA    CREEK. 

treated  to  breakfast,  and  the  captain  was  very  kind 
indeed.  We  were  just  congratulating  ourselves 
on  our  good  fortune,  when  we  discovered  that  all 
our  little  valuables,  relics  which  we  had  brought 
from  the  Peninsula,  toilet  arrangements,  and  even 
our  Bibles,  had  been  stolen  while  we  were  asleep. 
Nellie  and  I  were  indulging  in  some  uncharitable 
remarks  concerning  those  persons  upon  whose 
hospitality  we  had  fared  sumptuously  and  slept 
comfortably,  and  who  had  so  generously  refused 
to  take  any  remuneration  in  the  shape  of  green 
backs,  but  who  had  helped  themselves  to  things 
more  precious  to  us  than  money,  when  good  Chap 
lain  B.  entered  just  in  time  to  catch  the  most  un- 
christian-like  sentence  we  had  uttered,  and  forth 
with  gave  us  a  lecture  upon  the  heinous  sin  of 
ingratitude.  When  he  had  concluded,  instead  of 
saying  amen,  I  said :  "from  such  hospitality  in  fu 
ture,  good  Lord  deliver  us." 

We  did  not  remain  long  at  Aquia  Creek,  but 
were  ordered  to  embark  immediately  for  Alexan 
dria,  Virginia.  When  we  arrived  there,  Pope's 
army  was  in  danger  of  annihilation;  and,  conse 
quently,  as  fast  as  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  ar 
rived,  it  was  ordered  to  Pope's  assistance;  one 
portion  in  one  direction,  and  another  in  another 
direction,  until  it  was  cut  up  into  sections,  and 
General  McClellan  was  left  at  Washington,  with 
out  an  army  or  anything  to  command  except  his 
itaffi 


CHAPTER  XX. 

POPE'S  ARMY — A  GENERAL'S  REQUEST — AGAIN  A  CONTRABAND — 

ENTERING  THE  REBEL  LINES  AS  A  SPY MY  ESCAPE  TO  THE 

FEDERAL    LINES IN    PERIL KEARNEY    KILLED CRAWLING 

THROUGH  THE  WOODS BURIAL  OF  A  PICKET LOOKING  FOR 

A  GENERAL MR.   NEGATIVE MC  CLELLAN    AND    POPE THE 

BATTLE  OF   ANTIETAM A   TOUCHING    DEATH-SCENE AN  IN 
TERESTING  PATIENT BURIAL  OF  A  FEMALE  SOLDIER. 

IMMEDIATELY  after  arriving  at  Alexandria,  I 
started  for  the  battle-field,  where  a  portion  of 
McClellan's  army  had  gone  to  reinforce  Pope.  Ev 
erything  seemed  to  be  in  a  confused  state.  There 
was  no  definite  information  with  regard  to  the 
force  of  the  enemy  in  that  direction,  and  it  seemed 
impossible  to  obtain  any  from  reliable  sources. 
McClellan's  troops  were  ordered  to  the  front,  un 
der  new  commanders,  just  as  they  came  off  the 
transports  in  which  they  arrived  from  the  Penin 
sula,  without  any  rest,  or  a  proper  supply  of  cloth 
ing,  shoes,  or  blankets;  all  of  which  they  much 
needed,  after  such  a  march  as  they  had  just  accom 
plished. 

While  the  battle  raged,  and  the  roar  of  cannon 
was  reverberating  over  the  National  Capital, 
McClellan  sent  the  following  request  to  Gen 
eral  Halleck :  "I  cannot  express  to  you  the 
pain  and  mortification  I  have  experienced  to-day, 


262  AGAIN    A  CONTRABAND. 

in  listening  to  the  distant  firing  of  my  men.  As 
I  can  be  of  no  further  use  here,  I  respectfully  ask 
that,  if  there  is  a  probability  of  the  conflict  being 
renewed  to-morrow,  I  may  be  permitted  to  go  to 
the  scene  of  battle  with  my  staff,  merely  to  be  with 
my  own  men,  if  nothing  more.  They  will  fight 
none  the  worse  for  my  being  with  them.  If  it  is 
not  deemed  best  to  intrust  me  with  the  command 
even  of  my  own  army,  I  simply  ask  to  be  permit 
ted  to  share  their  fate  on  the  field  of  battle." 

The  troops  under  Pope  were  several  days  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  with  no  rations 
but  those  they  found  in  the  fields,  such  as  fruit, 
green  corn,  and  vegetables.  They  certainly  were 
in  a  poor  condition  to  fight,  and  there  was  evi 
dently  a  lack  of  that  cheerful,  enthusiastic  spirit, 
which  had  characterized  them  on  the  Peninsula. 

I  was  ordered  by  General  H.  to  pass  the  rebel 
lines,  and  return  as  soon  as  possible.  I  took  the 
train  at  Warrenton  Junction,  went  to  Washington, 
procured  a  disguise,  that  of  a  female  contraband, 
and  returned  the  same  night.  I  passed  through 
the  enemy's  lines  in  company  with  nine  contra 
bands,  men,  women,  and  children,  who  preferred 
to  live  in  bondage  with  their  friends,  rather  than 
to  be  free  without  them.  I  had  no  difficulty  what 
ever  in  getting  along,  for  I,  with  several  others, 
was  ordered  to  headquarters  to  cook  rations 
enough,  the  rebels  said,  to  last  them  until  they 
reached  Washington. 


y 

°8 


IN    PERIL.  2G3 

The  officers  generally  talked  in  low  tone**,  but 
would  sometimes  become  excited,  forget  that  there 
were  darkies  around,  and  would  speak  their  minds 
freely.  When  I  had  been  there  a  few  hours,  I 
had  obtained  the  very  information  which  I  had 
been  sent  for.  I  had  heard  the  plan  of  the  mor 
row  discussed,  the  number  of  troops  at  several 
important  points,  and  the  number  expected  to  ar 
rive  during  the  night ;  and  this,  too,  from  the  lips 
of  the  commanding  general  and  his  staff. 

The  rebel  lines  were  guarded  so  strongly  and 
so  faithfully,  that  I  did  not  dare  to  return  that 
night,  but  waited  anxiously  for  the  dawn  of  the 
morrow. 

Early  on  the  following  morning,  while  assisting 
the  cook  to  carry  in  breakfast,  I  removed  a  coat 
from  a  camp-stool  which  stood  in  my  way,  and  a 
number  of  papers  fell  from  its  pockets,  which  I 
instantly  transferred  to  my  own.  I  then  hurried 
my  arrangements  in  the  tent,  lest  the  documents 
should  be  missed  before  I  could  make  my  escape. 
Breakfast  was  announced,  and  I  suddenly  disap 
peared. 

Going  toward  the  picket  line  nearest  the  Fed 
erals,  and  seeing  an  old  house  in  the  distance,  I 
went  and  hid  myself  in  the  cellar.  Soon,  firing 
commenced  in  different  directions,  and  grew  hotter 
and  hotter,  until  the  shot  and  shell  began  to  shake 
the  old  house  in  which  I  had  taken  refuge,  and 
by  and  by  it  came  tumbling  down  around  me.  A 


264   ESCAPE  TO  THE  FEDERAL  LINES. 

part  of  the  floor  was  broken  clown,  but  still  I  re 
mained  unharmed,  and  did  not  attempt  to  leave 
the  ruins.  I  remembered  that  good  old  Elijah 
remained  in  the  cave  during  the  tempest,  the 
earthquake  and  the  fire,  and  afterward  came  the 
still  small  voice.  So  I  waited  patiently  for  the 
still  small  voice,  and  felt  secure  ;  knowing  that 
the  Lord  was  a  sure  refuge,  and  could  protect  me 
there  as  well  as  in  a  drawing-room  in  the  quiet 
city. 

It  was  not  long  before  deliverance  came,  and 
the  rebels  were  obliged  to  fall  back  and  take  a 
new  position.  When  the  firing  ceased,  I  was 
safely  within  the  Federal  lines.  I  went  immedi 
ately  to  headquarters,  and  reported  myself  as  hav 
ing  just  returned  from  rebel dom ;  gave  a  brief 
relation  of  my  experience,  and  delivered  the  docu 
ments  which  I  had  brought  from  rebel  headquar 
ters.  These  proved  to  be  orders  intended  for  the 
different  corps  commanders,  with  instructions  how 
and  when  to  move,  so  as  to  act  in  concert  with 
the  entire  plan  of  the  morrow,  and  insure  the  cap 
ture  of  Washington. 

During  those  battles  and  skirmishes  of  Pope's 
memorable  campaign,  I  visited  the  rebel  generals 
three  times  at  their  own  camp-fires,  within  a  period 
of  ten  days,  and  came  away  with  valuable  informa 
tion,  unsuspected  and  unmolested. 

While  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run  was  in  pro 
gress,  I  was  a  part  of  the  time  with  the  Confeder- 


KEARNEY    KILLED.  265 

ates,  and  then  back  again  to  the  Federals,  having 
made  my  escape  while  the  battle  raged  most 
fiercely  by  concealing  myself  in  a  ravine,  and 
watching  until  the  rebels  charged  upon  a  battery. 
While  they  were  engaged  in  a  hand-to-hand  fight, 
I  escaped  unobserved  by  friend  or  foe. 

The  last  of  these  visits  was  made  the  night  be 
fore  the  battle  of  Chentilla,  in  which  the  brave 
Kearney  was  killed.  I  was  within  a  few  rods  of 
him  when  he  fell,  and  was  in  the  act  of  returning 
to  the  Union  camp  under  cover  of  the  extreme 
darkness  of  that  never-to-be-forgotten  night.  I 
saw  him  ride  up  to  the  line,  but  supposed  him  to 
be  a  rebel  officer  until  the  pickets  fired  at  him,  and 
even  then  I  thought  they  had  fired  at  me,  until  I 
saw  him  fall  from  his  horse,  and  heard  their  ex 
clamations  of  joy  when  they  discovered  who  he 
was ;  for  the  one-armed  general  was  known  through 
out  both  armies  for  his  bravery  and  brilliant  ca 
reer,  and  the  name  of  Kearney  had  become  a  word 
of  terror  to  the  rebels. 

When  I  learned  who  was  their  victim,  I  regret- 
ed  that  it  had  not  been  me  instead  of  him,  whom 
they  had  discovered  and  shot.  I  would  willingly 
have  died  to  save  such  a  general  to  the  Union 
army.  But  he  was  taken,  while  I,  poor  insignifi 
cant  creature,  was  left;  but  left  with  a  heart  and 
soul  as  fully  devoted  to  the  Union  cause  as  Kear 
ney's  was ;  only  lacking  the  ability  to  accomplish 
the  same  results. 


266  BURYING    A    PICKET. 

I  lost  no  time  in  making  good  my  escape,  while 
the  attention  of  the  pickets  were  drawn  in  another 
direction.  When  I  came  to  our  lines,  I  found  it 
almost  as  difficult  to  get  through  as  I  had  found 
it  on  the  other  side.  The  night  was  so  dark  I 
could  not  make  any  sign  by  which  the  pickets 
could  recognize  me,  and  I  was  in  the  depths  of 
the  forest,  where  the  rustling  of  the  leaves  and  the 
crackling  of  dry  branches  under  my  feet  betrayed 
my  foot-steps  as  I  went  along.  However,  after 
crawling  up  pretty  close  to  the  line^  and  getting 
behind  a  tree  to  screen  me  from  the  bullets,  if  they 
should  fire,  I  managed  to  make  myself  understood. 
The  picket  said :  "  All  right,"  and  I  passed  through 
in  safety. 

Coming  within  the  lines,  I  saw  a  group  of  men 
kneelin^on  the  ground  digging  a  grave  with  their 
bayonets,  with  the  least  possible  noise  ;  for  the 
picket  lines  were  within  half  musket  shot  of  each 
*>ther.  One  of  their  comrades  had  been  killed, 
and  they  were  thus  preparing  his  last  resting-place. 

They  buried  him  darkly  at  dead  of  night, 
The  turf  with  their  bayonets  turning. 

But  there  were  no  "struggling  moonbeams,"  or 
glimmering  stars,  to  shed  a  ray  of  light  upon  the 
midnight  gloom  of  that  solitary  funeral — naught 
save  the  vivid  flashes  of  lurid  flame  which  the 
lightning  cast  upon  the  sad  scene,  lighting  up  for 
%  moment  the  surrounding  forest,  and  then  dying 
away,  leaving  the  darkness  more  intolerable. 


MR.    NEGATIVE.  267 

We  may  well  say  of  such  as  die  at  their  post : 

Sweet  be  the  death  of  those 

Who  for  their  country  die ; 
Sleep  on  her  bosom  for  repose, 

And  triumph  where  they  lie. 

After  reaching  headquarters  and  donning  an 
other  costume,  I  was  dispatched  to  Washington 
with  official  documents  to  McClellan,  who  was 
now  in  command  of  the  defenses  of  the  Capital, 
and  had  control  of  all  the  troops  who  came 
streaming  in  from  the  disastrous  battle-field.  I 
arrived  in  the  city  just  as  the  morning  light  was 
breaking,  drenched  from  head  to  foot,  and  looking 
as  if  mud  was  my  native  element. 

Making  my  way  to  where  I  supposed  headquar 
ters  to  be,  I  saw  an  important  looking  individual 
near  by,  whom  I  addressed,  and  inquired  if  he 
could  tell  me  where  General  McClellan  was  to  be 
found?  "  No,  I  can  not,"  Could  he  tell  me  when 
he  was  expected  at  headquarters?  uNo."  Was 
there  any  person  there  of  whom  I  could  inquire  ? 
"Not  a  person."  Did  he  know  of  any  place  where 
the  necessary  information  could  be  obtained  ?  ' '  Not 
a  place."  Could  he  make  any  suggestion,  or  throw 
the  least  ray  of  light  upon  the  subject,  which 
might  lead  to  the  whereabouts  of  the  general  ? 
"Not  the  slightest." 

Turning  away  in  disgust,  I  said  to  the  man, 
;c  Well,  good-by,  Mr.  Negative.  I  hope  the  effort 
which  you  have  made  to  assist  me  will  not  injure 


268  MC  CLELLAN    AND     POPE. 

you  men  tally  or  physically;"  and  so  saying  I  rode 
away,  feeling  that  if  I  was  as  big  as  he  imagined 
himself,  and  as  strong  as  he  was  indifferent,  I 
would  give  him  a  vigorous  shaking  before  leaving 
him. 

I  went  next  to  General  H.'s  headquarters.  No 
one  there  could  tell  me  anything  more  definite  than 
that  the  general  had  been  gone  all  night,  carrying 
out  General  Halleck's  orders  and  making  the  best 
possible  disposition  of  the  troops  as  fast  as  they 
came  in,  for  the  whole  army  was  now  in  full  re 
treat.  After  two  hours  search  I  found  him,  de 
livered  the  despatches,  and  returned  to  Washing 
ton,  where  I  remained  until  the  next  day,  being 
completely  tired  out,  not  having  had  a  night's 
sleep  for  five  nights  previous. 

On  the  first  of  September,  General  McClellan 
had  an  interview  with  the  President,  who  request 
ed  him  to  use  all  his  influence  with  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac  to  insure  its  hearty  co-operation  with 
General  Pope's  army.  In  compliance  with  the 
President's  request,  McClellan  sent  the  following 
despatch  to  General  Porter:  "I  ask  of  you,  for 
my  sake,  that  of  the  country,  and  the  old  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  that  you  and  all  my  friends  will 
lend  the  fullest  and  most  cordial  co-operation  to 
General  Pope  in  all  the  operations  now  going  on. 
The  destinies  of  our  country,  the  honor  of  our 
arms,  are  at  stake,  and  all  depends  upon  the 
cheerful  co-operation  of  all  in  the  field.  This 


THE     BATTLE     OF    ANTIETAM.  269 

week  is  the  crisis  of  our  fate.  Say  the  same  thing 
to  my  friends  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and 
that  the  last  request  I  have  to  make  of  them  is, 
that,  for  their  country's  sake,  they  will  extend  to 
General  Pope  the  same  support  they  ever  have 
to  me." 

Immediately  after  this  followed  the  brilliant  and 
triumphant  victories  at  South  Mountain  and  Antie 
tam,  which  more  than  counterbalanced  the  disas 
trous  campaign  of  Pope,  and  which  sent  a  thrill  of 
joy  throughout  the  North. 

But  in  this,  as  in -most  other  instances  of 
earthly  bliss,  the  joy  was  not  unmixed  with  sor 
row — sorrow  for  the  noble  dead  and  wounded 
upon  those  bloody  fields.  At  the  memorable  bat 
tle  of  Antietam  there  wore  nearly  two  hundred 
thousand  men  and  five  hundred  pieces  of  artillery 
engaged  during  a  period  of  fourteen  hours  with 
out  cessation ;  and  at  its  termination  two  thousand 
seven  hundred  of  the  enemy's  dead  lay  upon  the 
field.  The  report  of  the  Federal  general  in  com 
mand  says:  ''Thirteen  guns,  thirty-nine  colors, 
upwards  of  fifteen  thousand  stand  of  small  arms, 
and  more  than  six  thousand  prisoners,  were  the 
trophies  which  attest  the  success  01  our  army  in 
the  battles  of  South  Mountain,  Crampton's  Gap, 
and  Antietam.  Not  a  single  gun  or  color  was  lost 
by  our  army  during  these  battles." 

At  the  close  of  the  battle  I  stood  by  the  side  of 
a  dying  officer  of  one  of  the  Massachusetts  regi- 


270  TOUCHING    DEATH-SCENE. 

ments,  who  had  passed  through  the  thickest  of  the 
fight  unhurt,  but  just  at  the  close  of  the  battle  he 
was  struck  by  a  random  shot  which  wounded  him 
mortally.  As  he  lay  there,  conscious  of  approach 
ing  death,  the  musicians  of  the  regiment  happened 
to  pass  by.  He  requested  that  they  might  be 
asked  to  play  the  "  Star-Spangled  Banner."  They 
cheerfully  complied  with  the  dying  man's  request, 
and  while  they  played  the  grand  old  tune  his 
countenance  beamed  with  joy.  He  inquired  the 
result  of  the  battle,  and  when  told  that  it  was  a 
victory  he  exclaimed — "  Oh !  it  is  glorious  to  die 
for  one's  country  at  such  a  time  as  this !  "  Then 
turning  to  the  chaplain  he  spoke  in  the  most  af 
fecting  manner ;  he  said  his  trust  was  in  the  Re 
deemer;  then  he  sent  loving  messages  to  his 
mother  and  friends  at  home.  The  chaplain  read 
some  comforting  passages  of  Scripture  and  prayed 
with  him,  and  soon  after  the  happy  spirit  passed 
away. 

Some  one  very  appropriately  says:  "When 
such  sacrifices  are  laid  upon  the  altar  of  our  coun 
try,  we  have  surely  new  incentives  to  uphold  the 
cause  for  which  they  are  made,  and,  with  God's 
help,  not  to  allow  the  treason  which  has  slain  so 
many  victims,  to  accomplish  its  purpose.  And, 
through  this  bloody  baptism,  shall  not  our  nation 
be  purified  at  length,  and  fitted  to  act  a  nobler 
part  in  the  world's  history  ?  "  God  grant  it. 

In  passing  among  the  wounded  after  they  had 


AN    INTERESTING    PATIENT.  271 

been  carried  from  the  field,  my  attention  was  at 
tracted  by  the  pale,  sweet  face  of  a  youthful  sol 
dier  who  was  severely  wounded  in  the  neck.  The 
wound  still  bled  profusely,  and  the  boy  was  grow 
ing  faint  from  loss  of  blood.  I  stooped  down  and 
asked  him  if  there  was  anything  he  would  like  to 
have  done  for  him.  The  soldier  turned  a  pair  of 
beautiful,  clear,  intelligent  eyes  upon  me  for  a 
moment  in  an  earnest  gaze,  and  then,  as  if  satisfied 
with  the  scrutiny,  said  faintly :  "  Yes,  yes  ;  there 
is  something  to  be  done,  and  that  quickly,  for  I 
am  dying." 

Something  in  the  tone  and  voice  made  me  look 
more  closely  at  the  face  of  the  speaker,  and  that 
look  satisfied  me  that  my  suspicion  was  well  found 
ed.  I  went  to  one  of  the  surgeons  in  attendance, 
and  requested  him  to  come  and  see  my  patient. 
He  did  so,  and  after  a  moment's  examination  of 
the  wound  told  me  that  nothing  could  be  done 
whatever  to  save  him.  He  then  left  me,  and  I 
administered  a  little  brandy  and  water  to  strength 
en  the  wounded  boy,  for  he  evidently  wished  to 
tell  me  something  that  was  on  his  mind  before  he 
died.  The  little  trembling  hand  beckoned  me 
closer,  and  I  knelt  down  beside  him  and  bent  my 
head  until  it  touched  the  golden  locks  on  the  pale 
brow  before  me ;  I  listened  with  breathless  atten- 
tention  to  catch  every  sound  which  fell  from  those 
dying  lips,  the  substance  of  which  was  as  follows : 

"  I  can  trust  you,  and  will  tell  you  a  secret.     I 


272  A    FEMALE    SOLDIER. 

am  not  what  I  seem,  but  am  a  female.  I  enlisted 
from  the  purest  motives,  and  have  remained  un 
discovered  and  unsuspected.  I  have  neither  fath 
er,  mother  nor  sister.  My  only  brother  was  killed 
to-day. ;  I  closed  his  eyes  about  an  hour  before  I 
was  wounded.  I  shall  soon  be  with  him.  I  am  a 
Christian,  and  have  maintained  the  Christian  charac 
ter  ever  since  I  entered  the  army.  I  have  performed 
the  duties  of  a  soldier  faithfully,  and  am  willing  to 
die  for  the  cause  of  truth  and  freedom.  My  trust 
is  in  God,  and  I  die  in  peace.  I  wish  you  to  bury 
me  with  your  own  hands,  that  none  may  know 
after  my  death  that  I  am  other  than  my  appear 
ance  indicates."  Then  looking  at  me  again  in 
that  earnest,  scrutinizing  manner,  she  said:  UI 
know  I  can  trust  you — you  will  do  as  I  have 
requested  ?  " 

I  assured  her  that  she  might  place  implicit  con 
fidence  in  me,  and  that  I  would  do  as  she  had  de 
sired  me.  Then  I  sought  out  a  chaplain,  who 
came  and  prayed  with  her.  She  was  calm  and 
peaceful.  I  remained  with  her  until  she  died, 
which  was  about  an  hour.  Then  making  a  grave 
for  her  under  the  shadow  of  a  mulberry  tree 
near  the  battle-field,  apart  from  all  others,  with 
the  assistance  of  two  of  the  boys  who  were  de 
tailed  to  bury  the  dead,  I  carried  her  remains  to 
that  lonely  spot  and  gave  her  a  soldier's  burial, 
without  coffin  or  shroud,  only  a  blanket  for  a 
winding-sheet.  There  she  sleeps  in  that  beautiful 


AFTER    ANTIETAM.  273 

forest  where  the  soft  sou  them  breezes  sigh  mourn, 
fully  through  the  foliage,  and  the  little  birds  sing 
sweetly  above  her  grave. 

Her  race  is  run.    In  Southern  clime 

She  rests  among  the  brave ; 
Where  perfumed  blossoms  gently  fall, 

Like  tears,  around  her  grave. 

No  loving  friends  are  near  to  weep 

Or  plant  bright  flowers  there ; 
But  birdlings  chant  a  requiem  sweet, 

And  strangers  breathe  a  prayer. 

She  sleeps  in  peace ;  yes,  sweetly  sleepy 

Her  sorrows  all  are  o'er ; 
With  her  the  storms  of  life  are  past: 

She 's  found  the  heavenly  shore. 


CHAPTER  XXL 

AJTER   ANTIETAM SURGEONS    ON  THE    FIELD THE    HOSPITALS — > 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL    DWIGHT     MORTALLY    WOUNDED A    BRU 
TAL    SURGEON A    WOUNDED    CAPTAIN AGONY     FROM     THIRST 

CHRISTIAN     SOLDIERS PRAYING    AND     FIGHTING FOPS     ON 

THE     FIELD A     REBEL     PROGRAMME — PENNSYLVANIA     TO     BE. 

STRIPPED CAMP    LIFE — DAILY    ROUTINE BURIAL    SERVICES. 

AFTER  the  battle  of  Antietam,  one  of  the 
chaplains  who  was  on  the  field  paid  a  fitting 
tribute  to  the  colonel  commanding  the  regiment  to 
which  he  belonged,  and  vividly  described  many 
scenes  that  came  under  my  own  observation  on 
that  day,  he  says  : 

"  How  faithfully  many  a  surgeon  labored !     Our 

18 


274  THE     HOSPITALS. 

own  assistant  surgeon  was  a  hero ;  regardless  of 
bullets  in  the  hottest  fire,  he  kept  coolly  on  in  his 
work,  while  near  by  Dr.  Kendall,  of  the  Twelfth 
Massachusetts,  was  killed.  The  nearest  hospital, 
that  of  our  own  corps,  was  necessarily  in  range  of 
the  enemy's  shell,  which  every  now  and  then  fell 
around  and  beyond.  Near  by  were  five  other 
hospitals,  all  for  one  wing.  Here  were  generals 
and  privates  brought  together.  General  Mansfield 
I  saw  dying,  and  a  few  feet  off,  an  unknown  pri 
vate;  General  Hartsuff  badly  wounded,  and  by 
his  side  a  throng  of  others  now  on  the  same  level. 
There  is  no  distinction  as  to  what  body  or  soul 
needs  then. 

U0ur  own  regiment  helped  to  fill  these  hospi 
tals.  Our  gallant  dead  are  remembered  with  all 
the  other  dead  of  Massachusetts.  But  one  we 
lost,  hard  to  replace :  Our  brilliant,  brave,  gener 
ous,  kind-hearted  Lieut. -Colon el  Wilder  D wight, 
shot  mortally,  but  living  two  days.  Of  wonderful 
promise  at  home,  cheerful,  resigned,  strong  in 
faith  and  trust,  ready  to  die ;  his  only  wish  being 
to  see  his  father  and  mother.  While  lying  in  the 
garden,  moved  only  on  a  stretcher,  he  sent  our 
own  surgeon  to  relieve  the  wounded  who  were 
lying  all  around,  the  surgeons  being  occupied  in 
amputating  limbs  of  men  in  the  hospitals ;  and 
again  and  again  sent  water  provided  for  himself  to 
the  poor  fellows  calling  for  it.  Yet  Colonel  D  wight 
was  not  free  from  brutal  insolence.  While  waiting 


A    BRUTAL    SURGEON.  275 

there  in  the  night  for  an  ambulance  in  which  to 
place  him,  only  for  shelter,  suddenly  a  harsh  voice 
insisted  on  turning  him  out  with  all  our  men. 

"I  found  a  pompous  little  surgeon  angry  and 
furious.     I  informed  him  why  the  men  were  there, 
assured  him  of  their  good  behavior,  and  requested 
permission  for  them  to  remain  as  we  were  Momen 
tarily  expecting  the  ambulance.      It  was  all  in 
vain.     Colonel  Dwight  himself  was  treated  most 
harshly,  although  of  higher  rank  than  the  brute 
himself;  and  notwithstanding  I  told  the  surgeon  he 
was  mortally  wounded,  he  ordered  the  guard  to 
turn  them  out  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and  to 
prevent   their   return   even    to  remove    Colonel 
Dwight;  refusing  to  tell  his  rank  and  even  his 
name,  until  I  obtained  it  of  another  party.     The 
men  were  driven  away  while  actually  giving  water 
to  the  wounded  who  had  been  calling  in  vain  for 
help.     I  assured  him  I  would  take  care  that  his 
conduct  was  made  known,  knowing  from  several 
scenes  I  had  witnessed  that  day  that  he  was,  from 
brutality,  pomposity  and  harshness,  utterly  unfit  to 
be  in  charge  of  wounded  men,  and  from  gross  dis 
respect  to  an  officer  higher  in  rank,  unfit  to  be  in 
the  army.     This  fellow  was  a  medical  director  in 
General  Reynolds'  corps,  Pennsylvania  Reserves," 
and  the  writer  adds,  "  too  good  a  corps  to  have 
such  a  fellow  among  them." 

The  ordinary  scene  which  presents  itself  after 
the  strife  of  arms  has  ceased,  is  familiar  to  every 


276  AGONY     FROM    THIRST. 

one.  Heaps  of  slain,  where  friend  and  foe  lie  side 
by  side,  mangled  bodies,  shrieks  and  groans  of  the 
Wounded  and  dying,  are  things  which  we  always 
associate  with  the  victories  and  defeats  of  war. 
But  we  seldom  expect  or  hear  of  songs  of  praise 
and  shouts  of  triumph  from  dying  lips  on  the 
dreadful  battle-field.  The  following  account  was 
received  from  the  lips  of  a  brave  and  pious  cap 
tain  in  one  of  the  Western  regiments,  as  some 
friends  were  conveying  him  to  a  hospital  from 
the  battle-field: 

"  The  man  had  been  shot  through  both  thighs 
with  a  rifle  bullet ;  it  was  a  wound  from  which  he 
could  not  recover.  While  lying  on  the  field  he 
suffered  intense  agony  from  thirst.  He  supported 
his  head  upon  his  hand,  and  the  rain  from  heaven 
was  falling  around  him.  In  a  short  time  a  little 
pool  of  water  collected  near  his  elbow,  and  he 
thought  if  he  could  reach  that  spot  he  might  allay 
his  raging  thirst.  He  tried  to  •  get  into  a  position 
which  would  enable  him  to  obtain  a  mouthful  of 
the  muddy  water,  but  in  vain ;  and  he  must  suffer 
the  torture  of  seeing  the  means  of  relief  within 
sight,  while  all  his  efforts  were  unavailing. 

"  '  Never,'  said  he,  c  did  I  feel  so  much  the  loss 
of  any  earthly  blessing.  By  and  by  the  shades  of 
night  fell  around  us,  and  the  stars  shone  out  clear 
and  beautiful  above  the  dark  field,  where  so  many 
others  lay  wounded,  writhing  in  pain  or  faint  from 
loss  of  blood.  Thus  situated,  I  began  to  think  of 


CHRISTIAN     SOLDIERS.  277 

the  great  God  who  had  given  His  son  to  die  a 
death  of  agony  for  me,  and  that  He  was  in  the 
heavens  to  which  my  eyes  were  turned ;  that  He 
was  there  above  that  scene  of  suffering  and  above 
those  glorious  stars ;  and  I  felt  that  I  was  hasten 
ing  home  to  meet  Him,  and  praise  Him  there.  I 
felt  that  I  ought  to  praise  Him  then,  even  wound 
ed  as  I  was,  on  the  battle-field.  I  could  not  help 
singing  that  beautiful  hymn — 

"  '  When  I  can  read  my  title  clear 

To  mansions  in  the  skies, 
I'll  bid  farewell  to  every  fear, 

And  wipe  my  weeping  eyes.' 

"  i  And  though  I  was  not  aware  of  it  till  then/  " 
he  continued,  "'it  proved  there  was  a  Christian 
brother  in  the  thicket  near  me.  I  could  not  see 
him,  but  was  near  enough  to  hear  him.  He  took 
up  the  strain  from  me,  and  beyond  him  another, 
and  another,  caught  the  words,  and  made  them 
resound  far  and  wide  over  the  terrible  battle-field. 
There  was  a  peculiar  echo  in  the  place,  and  that 
added  to  the  effect,  as  we  made  the  night  vocal 
with  our  hymns  of  praise  to  God.'" 

The  presence  of  such  men  in  the  army,  animated 
by  faith  in  God,  and  conscious  of  Serving  Him  in 
serving  their  country,  adds  materially  to  its  ele 
ments  of  strength  and  success.  "The  religious 
element  has  always  been  acknowledged  as  a  great 
power  in  military  success.  The  more  intelligent 
that  principle  is,  the  more  efficient  it  must  be  in 


278  PRAYING    AND    FIGHTING. 

securing  this  result.  There  is  every  reason,  natu 
ral  as  well  as  rational,  why  those  who  hold  their 
lives  in  their  hand  should  acknowledge  the  God 
of  battle,  and  pray  for  themselves  and  their  coun 
try  in  the  midst  of  danger.  The  simplest  expres 
sion  of  the  relations  of  praying  and  fighting  was, 
perhaps,  the  blunt  order  of  the  puritan  chief,  uPut 
your  trust  in  God,  and  keep  your  powder  dry." 
Cromwell  and  his  praying  puritans  were  danger 
ous  men  to  meet  in  battle.  u  The  sword  of  the 
Lord  and  of  Gideon  was  exceeding  sharp,  tem 
pered  as  it  was  by  hourly  prayers."  Who  can  but 
admire  the  sublime  spectacle  which  Gustavus  Adol- 
phus  and  his  vast  army  presented  on  the  eve  of 
the  battle  of  Lutzen,  in  which  the  King  fell,  pray 
ing  on  bended  knees,  and  then  chanting : 

Be  of  good  cheer ;  your  cause  belongs 
To  Him  who  can  avenge  your  wrongs ; 
Leave  it  to  Him  our  Lord. 

The  King  fell,  but  the  battle  was  gloriously  won. 
uAnd  so,"  says  a  writer  upon  this  subject,  "un 
less  we  are  untrue  to  our  better  nature,  it  must 
ever  be.  Before  going  into  battle,  the  foolish, 
wicked  oath  is  silent.  With  the  bracing  of  the 
nerves  for  the  shock  of  battle,  there  goes  up  a 
silent  prayer  for  strength,  and  valor  and  deliver 
ance.  The  wounded  pray  to  be  saved  from  death ; 
the  dying  recall  the  words  of  old  petitions  learned 
in  childhood,  and  in  those  broken  accents  commit 
their  souls  to  God." 


FOPS    ON    THE    FIELD.  279 

The  only  amusing  incident  after  a  battle  is,  the 
crowd  of  spectators  from  Washington  and  other 
places.  If  they  are  in  carriages,  their  vehicles  are 
sure  to  get  smashed,  and  then  the  trouble  arises, 
what  are  they  to  do  with  their  baggage  ?  Carry 
it,  of  course,  or  leave  it  behind.  Even  the  wound 
ed  soldiers  cannot  help  laughing  at  their  sorry 
plight,  gesticulations,  and  absurd  questions. 

Among  all  this  class  of  individuals,  there  are 
none  to  be  compared  with  government  clerks  for 
importance  and  absurdity.  On  one  of  these  occa 
sions  I  remember  of  a  number  of  those  pompous 
creatures  being  distressed  beyond  measure,  be 
cause  they  could  not  return  to  Washington  on  a 
train  which  was  crowded  beyond  description  with 
the  wounded.  After  the  cars  moved  off  there  they 
stood  gazing  after  it  in  the  most  disconsolate  man 
ner.  Said  one,  "I  came  out  here  by  invitation 
of  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  now  I  must  return 
on  foot,  or  remain  here."  One  of  the  soldiers  con 
temptuously  surveyed  him  from  head  to  foot,  as 
he  stood  there  with  kid  gloves,  white  bosom,  stand 
ing  collar,  etc.,  in  all  the  glory  and  finery  of  a 
brainless  fop,  starched  up  for  display.  u  Well," 
said  the  soldier,  "  we  don't  know  any  such  indi 
vidual  as  the  Secretary  of  War  out  here,  but  I 
guess  we  can  find  you  something  to  do ;  perhaps 
you  would  take  a  fancy  to  one  of  these  muskets," 
laying  his  hand  on  a  pile  beside  him. 

The  clerk  turned  away  in  disgust,  and  disdain- 


280  A    REBEL    PROGRAMME. 

ing  to  reply  to  the  soldier,  he  inquired,  "But 
where  shall  I  sleep  to-night  ?  "  The  soldier  re 
plied,  "  Just  where  you  please,  chummy ;  there  is 
lots  of  room  all  around  here,"  pointing  to  a  spot 
of  ground  which  was  not  occupied  by  the  wound 
ed.  A  chaplain  stepped  up  to  him,  and  said:  ulf 
you  wish  to  sleep,  there  is  some  hay  you  can 
have ;  "  and  went  on  to  give  him  a  brief  lecture 
upon  the  impropriety  of  a  young  man,  in  perfect 
health,  just  fresh  from  the  city,  talking  about  com 
fortable  lodgings,  and  a  place  to  sleep,  when  so 
many  wounded  and  dying  lay  all  around  him.  He 
was  horrified,  and  disappeared  immediately. 

Before  the  rebels  attempted  to  cross  into  Mary 
land  in  force,  the  Richmond  papers  were  full  of 
editorials,  of  which  the  following  is  a  specimen : 

"  Let  not  a  blade  of  grass,  or  a  stalk  of  corn,  or 
a  barrel  of  flour,  or  a  bushel  of  meal,  or  a  sack  of 
salt,  or  a  horse,  or  a  cow,  or  a  hog,  or  a  sheep,  be 
left  wherever  the  Confederate  troops  move  along. 
Let  vengeance  be  taken  for  all  that  has  been  done, 
until  retribution  itself  shall  stand  aghast.  This  is 
the  country  of  the  would-be-gentleman,  McClellan. 
He  has  caused  a  loss  to  us,  in  Virginia,  of  at  least 
thirty  thousand  negroes,  the  most  valuable  prop 
erty  that  a  Virginian  can  own.  They  have  no 
negroes  in  Pennsylvania.  Retaliation,  therefore, 
must  fall  upon  something  else.  A  Dutch  far 
mer  has  no  negroes,  but  he  has  horses  that 
can  be  seized,  grain  that  can  be  confiscated, 


CAMP    LIFE.  281 

cattle  that  can  be  killed,  and  houses  that  can  be 
burned." 

But  when  they  really  attempted  to  accomplish 
these  feats,  and  found  with  whom  they  had  to  con 
tend,  they  were  very  glad  to  re-cross  the  Potomac, 
without  confiscating  property  or  burning  houses, 
and  to  escape,  leaving  their  dead  and  wounded  on 
the  field. 

After  the  battle  of  Antietam,  the  army  was  not 
in  a  condition  to  follow  up  the  rebels ;  but  as  soon 
as  the  Capital  was  safe,  and  the  rebels  were  driven 
from  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania,  vigorous  efforts 
were  made  to  recruit,  clothe,  and  reorganize  the 
army.  Harper's  Ferry  was  again  occupied,  every 
weak  point  strengthened,  and  all  the  fords  were 
strongly  guarded.  While  the  army  thus  remained 
inactive  for  a  few  weeks,  camp  duties  and  disci 
pline  were  again  strictly  enforced  and  attended  to. 

I  would  not  have  my  readers  think  that  camp- 
life  in  the  army  is  so  very  unpleasant,  after  all.  I 
do  not  think  so,  for  I  have  spent  some  of  the 
pleasantest,  happiest  hours  of  my  life  in  camp,  and 
I  think  thousands  can  give  the  same  testimony. 

One  of  our  good  chaplains  from  the  North  says 
that  even  the  city  of  New  York  itself  can  bear  no 
favorable  comparison  to  military  life  in  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac.  "After  all,"  he  says:  "New 
York  is  a  humbug  compared  with  the  army.  It 
is  tattoo,  as  I  write ;  what  music  it  is,  compared 
with  the  nuisance  noises  of  those  city  streets! 


282  DAILY    ROUTINE. 

Our  candles  are  not  brilliant ;  but  the  sight  of  the 
lights  of  the  camps  all  around,  is  more  pleasant 
than  the  glare  of  the  city  gas.  The  air  is  the  pure 
air  of  heaven,  not  the  choky  stuff  of  the  metropo 
lis.  The  men  are  doing  something  noble,  not 
dawdling  away  these  glorious  days  in  selling  tape 
and  ribbons.  The  soldier  lives  to  some  purpose, 
and  if  he  dies  it  is  a  hero's  death.  The  silks  of 
that  wealthy  mart  may  be  coveted  by  some ;  but 
what  are  the  whole  to  our  bullet-riddled  old  flag, 
which  passed  from  the  stiffening  hands  of  one  color- 
bearer  to  another,  in  the  days  of  many  a  battle  ?  " 

To  give  my  reader  a  more  definite  idea  of  the 
routine  of  camp  life,  I  will  enter  into  a  detail  of 
it  more  fully.  At  sunrise  reveille  beats,  drum 
echoing  to  drum  until  the  entire  encampment  is 
astir,  and  busy  as  a  bee-hive.  Roll-call  immedi 
ately  follows,  which  brings  every  man  to  his  place 
in  the  ranks,  to  answer  to  his  name.  An  hour 
later  breakfast  call  is  sounded  by  fife  and  drum, 
and  the  company  cooks,  who  are  detailed  for  that 
purpose,  deal  out  the  rations  to  the  men  as  they 
sit  or  stand  around  the  cook's  quarters. 

At  half-past  seven  o'clock  sick  call  announces 
to  surgeons  and  patients  that  they  are  expected 
to  appear  at  the  dispensing  tent — if  able  to  go 
there.  Then  comes  a  general  examination  of 
tongues  and  pulses,  and  a  liberal  distribution  of 
quinine  and  blue  pills,  and  sometimes  a  little  eau 
de  vie,  to  wash  down  the  bitter  drugs. 


MEETINGS,    ETC.  283 

Guard  mounting  at  eight,  which  is  an  imposing 
affair  in  itself.  The  band  marches  to  the  usual 
place  of  dress  parade  and  strikes  up  some  appro 
priate  piece,  which  is  the  signal  for  the  regimental 
details  to  march  to  the  place  of  inspection.  The 
line  is  formed,  arms  inspected,  and  general  ap 
pearance  noted.  Then  the  men  are  marched  in 
review,  and  divided  into  three  reliefs — one  of 
which  is  marched  to  the  post  of  each  sentinel, 
where,  after  various  important  conferences,  the  old 
sentinel  is  relieved  and  the  new  one  takes  his 
place,  and  so  on  around  the  whole  camp.  The 
old  guard  is  then  marched  to  their  quarters  and 
formally  dismissed,  having  been  on  duty  two  hours 
out  of  every  six  during  the  last  twenty-four  hours. 

At  nine  o'clock  the  music  sounds  for  company 
drill,  which  drill  lasts  an  hour  and  a  half.  The 
bugle  announces  dinner  at  one  o'clock. 

At  three  in  the  afternoon  battalion  drill  com 
mences,  which  occupies  an  hour.  At  half-past 
four  is  heard  the  first  call  for  evening  parade,  and 
at  five  o'clock  comes  off  the  great  display  of  the 
day — dress  parade. 

Supper  at  six,  tattoo  at  half  past  eight,  and  roll- 
call  again  at  nine  ;  immediately  after  which  comes 
"taps"  on  the  drum,  which  means  "lights  out." 

But  between  all  these  calls  drills  and  parades 
are  more  interesting  services  and  duties.  Away 
in  one  corner  of  the  camp  is  our  canvas  or  log 
meeting-house,  and  besides  our  regular  preaching, 


284  A  SOLDIER'S  BURIAL. 

we  have  conference  and  prayer  meetings,  debating 
clubs,  military  lectures,  and  numerous  musical  en 
tertainments. 

Then,  too,  comes  visiting  the  sick  in  different 
hospitals,  distribution  of  reading  matter  and  deli 
cacies,  and  the  blessed  privilege  of  religious  con 
versation.  And  often  the  solemn  services  in 
connection  with  burying  the  dead.  I  will  here 
give  a  brief  description  of  this  service : 

The  burial  of  a  soldier  in  camp  is  a  most  solemn 
scene.  A  suitable  escort  is  formed  in  two  ranks 
opposite  the  tent  of  the  deceased,  with  shouldered 
arms  and  bayonets  unfixed.  On  the  appearance 
of  the  coffin  the  soldiers  present  arms.  The  pro 
cession  then  forms — on  each  side  of  the  coffin  are 
the  pall-bearers  without  muskets — and  the  escort 
moves  forward  with  arms  reversed,  viz. :  musket 
under  the  left  arm,  barrel  downward,  and  steadied 
behind  the  back  with  the  right  hand.  The  band 
marches  in  front,  with  slow  and  measured  tread 
and  muffled  drum  they  move,  pouring  out  their 
melancholy  wailings  for  the  dead — a  sadder  dirge 
than  which  never  fell  upon  mortal  ear. 

On  reaching  the  place  of  interment  the  coffin  is 
lowered  into  the  grave,  the  soldiers  leaning  upon 
their  muskets,  muzzle  downward,  the  hands  clasped 
upon  the  butt  of  their  guns,  with  heads  uncov 
ered  and  reverently  bowed  upon  their  hands.  The 
chaplain,  who  has  walked  in  the  rear  of  the  pro 
cession,  conducts  the  burial  service,  at  the  end  of 


WARRIOR'S  DIRGE.  285 

which  three  volleys  are  fired  over  the  grave,  the 
trench  is  filled  up,  and  the  soldiers  return  to  duty. 

Warrior,  rest !  thy  toils  are  ended : 

Life's  last  fearful  strife  is  o'er; 
Clarion-calls,  with  death-notes  blended, 

Shall  disturb  thine  ear  no  more ! 
Peaceful  is  thy  dreamless  slumber ; 

Peaceful,  but  how  cold  and  stern ! 
Thou  hast  joined  that  silent  number 

In  the  land  whence  none  return  I 

Warrior,  rest!  thy  banner  o'erthee 

Hangs  in  many  a  drooping  fold ; 
Many  a  manly  cheek  before  thee 

Stain'd  with  tear-drops  we  behold\ 
Thine  was  not  a  hand  to  falter 

When  thy  sword  should  leave  its  sheath: 
Thine  was  not  a  cheek  to  alter, 
Though  thy  duty  led  to  death  I 

Warrior,  rest !  a  dirge  is  knelling 

Solemnly  from  shore  to  shore : 
'T  is  a  nation's  tribute,  telling 

That  a  patriot  is  no  more ! 
And  thy  young  bride  weeps  in  sorrow 

That  no  more  she  hears  thy  tread  ; 
That  the  night  which  knows  no  morrow 

Darkly  veils  thy  laurel'd  head ! 

Warrior,  rest !   we  smooth  thy  pillow, 

For  thy  last,  long  earthly  sleep ; 
And  beneath  yon  verdant  willow 

Storms  unheard  will  o'er  thee  sweep ! 
There,  'tis  done!  thy  couch  awaits  thee! 

Softly  down  thy  head  we  lay ; 
Here  repose,  till'  GOD  translates  thee 

From  the  dust  to  endless  day  I 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

A    MILITARY   EXECUTION THE    PREPARATIONS THE    DEATH 

HARPER'S  FERRY — OLD   JOHN   BROWN — CONTRAST — ADVANCE 
INTO  VIRGINIA CONDITION  OF  THE  ARMY A  DREARY   RIDE 

• A  GREEN  GUARD SEEKING  SHELTER A  GUERRILLA  FIGHT 

MY    HORSE    KILLED PLAYING    POSSUM MY    POCKETS    PICKED 

— -A     NARROW     ESCAPE RETURN     TO    CAMP AN    INTERESTING 

MEETING. 

ABOUT  this  time  one  of  those  horrible  and 
soul-revolting  sights,  a  "  military  execution," 
took  place ;  in  other  words,  a  soldier  was  shot  in 
cold  blood  by  his  comrades.  I  "did  not  witness  the 
execution,  although  it  occurred  within  a  short  dis 
tance  of  camp,  and  I  give  the  particulars  relating 
to  it  from  the  record  of  the  chaplain  who  attended 
the  unhappy  man  to  the  place  of  execution : 

UA  painful  episode,  the  first  of  the  kind  I  have 
witnessed,  took  place  last  Friday.  It  was  a  mili 
tary  execution.  The  person  thus  punished  be 
longed  to  the  Third  Maryland,  which  is  in  our 
division.  On  Tuesday  last  his  sentence  was  for 
mally  read  to  him.  He  was  to  be  shot  to  death 
with  musketry  on  the  next  Friday,  between  the 
hours  of  noon  and  four  in  the  afternoon.  He  had 
learned  the  decision  on  the  Sunday  before.  The 
day  of  his  execution  was  wet  and  gloomy.  That 


A    MILITARY    EXECUTION.  287 

morning,  in  the  midst  of  the  provost  guard,  he  was 
sitting  on  a  bag  of  grain,  leaning  against  a  tree, 
while  a  sentry  with  fixed  bayonet  stood  behind, 
never  turning  away  from  him,  save  as  another  took 
his  place.  Useless  seemed  the  watch,  for  arms  and 
feet  had  been  secured,  though  not  painfully,  since 
the  sentence  was  read.  The  captain  of  the  guard 
had  humanely  done  all  he  could,  and  it  was  partly 
by  his  request  that  I  was  there.  A  chaplain  could 
minister  where  others  would  not  be  allowed.  The 
rain  fell  silently  on  him;  the  hours  of  his  life 
were  numbered,  even  the  minutes.  He  was  to 
meet  death,  not  in  the  shock  and  excitement  of 
battle,  not  as  a  martyr  for  his  country,  not  in 
disease,  but  in  full  health,  and  as  a  criminal.  I 
have  seen  many  a  man  die,  and  have  tried  to  per 
form  the  sacred  duties  of  my  station.  I  never  had 
so  painful  a  task  as  this,  because  of  these  circum 
stances.  Willingly,  gladly,  he  conversed,  heard 
and  answered.  While  such  a  work  is  painful,  yet 
it  has  its  bright  side,  because  of  the  '  exceeding 
great  and  precious  promises'  it  is  one's  privilege 
to  tell. 

uWhen  the  time  came  for  removal  to  the  place 
of  execution,  he  entered  an  ambulance,  the  chap- 
lain  accompanying  him.  Next,  in  another  ambu 
lance,  was  the  coffin ;  before,  behind,  and  on  either 
side-  a  guard.  Half  a  mile  of  this  sad  journey 
brought  him  within  a  short  distance  of  the  spot. 
Then  leaving  the  ambulance,  he  walked  to  the 


288  THE    DEATH. 

place  selected.  The  rain  had  ceased,  the  sun  was 
shining  on  the  dark  lines  of  the  whole  division 
drawn  up  in  three  sides  of  a  hollow  square.  With 
guard  in  front  and  rear,  he  passed  with  steady 
step  to  the  open  side  of  the  square,  accompanied 
by  the  chaplain.  There  was  a  grave  dug,  and 
in  front  of  it  was  his  coffin.  He  sat  upon  the 
coffin ;  his  feet  were  reconfined,  to  allow  of  which 
he  lifted  them  voluntarily,  and  then  his  eyes  were 
bandaged.  In  front  of  him  the  firing  party,  of  two 
from  each  regiment,  were  then  drawn  up,  half  held 
in  reserve,  during  which  there  was  still  a  little 
time  for  words  with  his  chaplain. 

uThe  General  (not  McClellan)  stood  by,  and 
the  Provost  Marshal  read  the  sentence  and 
shook  hands  with  the  condemned.  Then  a  pray 
er  was  offered,  amid  uncovered  heads  and  sol 
emn  faces.  A  last  hand-shake  with  the  chap 
lain,  which  he  had  twice  requested ;  a  few  words 
from  him  to  the  chaplain ;  a  lingering  pressure  by 
the  hand  of  the  condemned,  his  lips  moving  with 
a  prayer-sentence  which  he  had  been  taught,  and 
on  which  his  thoughts  had  dwelt  before ;  and  he 
was  left  alone.  The  word  of  command  was  imme 
diately  given.  One  volley,  and  he  fell  over  in 
stantly,  unconscious.  A  record  of  the  wounds 
were  made  by  the  surgeons  who  immediately  ex 
amined  him.  The  troops  filed  by  his  grave,  and 
returned  by  the  way  they  came.  He  left  a  mother 
and  sister,  and  was  twenty  years  of  age." 


AT     HARPERS     FERRY.  289 

Soon  after  I  spent  a  night  at  Harper's  Ferry. 
John  Brown  is  still  remembered  there,  and  the 
soldiers  go  round  singing  "  His  soul  goes  marching 
on."  That  medley  of  a  song  does  not  seem  so 
senseless  after  all,  for  the  spirit  of  John  Brown 
does  seem  to  march  along  wonderfully  fast,  and 
our  troops  are  becoming  imbued  with  it  to  a  great 
er  extent  than  is  generally  supposed. 

I  also  visited  the  court-house,  where  public  ser 
vice  was  held  by  a  Massachusetts  chaplain  in  the 
very  room  where  John  Brown  was  tried,  convicted 
and  sentenced.  There  was  the  spot  where  he  had 
lain  upon  his  litter.  There  in  front  of  the  judge's 
platform  were  the  juror's  seats.  The  chair  which 
the  judge  had  occupied  was  now  tenanted  by  an 
abolition  preacher.  Oh!  if  old  John  Brown  had 
only  lived  to  see  that  day !  but  he  is  gone,  and 

His  soul  goes  marching  on. 

On  the  25th  of  October,  the  pontoon  bridges 
being  completed  at  Harper's  Ferry  and  at  Berlin, 
the  army  once  more  advanced  into  Virginia,  The 
ninth  corps  and  Pleasanton's  cavalry  occupied 
Lovettsville,  a  pretty  little  village  reminding  one 
of  New  England.  The  army  was  now  in  admira 
ble  condition  and  fine  spirits,  and  enjoyed  this 
march  exceedingly,  scarcely  a  man  dropping  out 
of  the  ranks  for  any  cause  whatever,  but  entering 
into  the  spirit  of  the  campaign  with  an  energy 
which  surpassed  all  their  former  enthusiasm.  As 
the  army  marched  rapidly  over  the  country  from. 


290  ADVANCE     INTO     VIRGINIA. 

village  to  village,  the  advance  guard  driving  the 
enemy's  pickets  from  one  covert  to  another,  many 
thrilling  adventures  occurred,  several  of  which 
came  under  my  own  observation,  and  as  I  am  ex 
pected  particularly  to  relate  those  in  which  I  was 
personally  concerned,  I  will  here  relate  one  which 
came  very  near  being  my  last  on  this  side  the 
"  river." 

On  the  morning  of  the  third  day  after  we  left 
Lovettsville  I  was  sent  back  to  headquarters, 
which  was  said  to  be  some  twelve  miles  in  the 
rear.  I  was  then  with  the  advance  guard,  and 
when  they  started  forward  at  daylight  I  went  to 
the  rear.  In  order  to  go  more  quickly  I  left  all 
my  traps  in  an  ambulance — blankets,  overcoat 
and  grain,  excepting  enough  to  feed  once.  Then 
starting  at  a  brisk  canter  I  soon  lost  sight  of  the 
advancing  column.  I  rode  on  mile  after  mile,  and 
passed  train  after  train,  but  could  find  no  one 
that  could  tell  me  where  McClellan's  headquarters 
were. 

On  I  went  in  this  way  until  noon,  and  then 
found  that  I  was  six  miles  from  headquarters. 
After  riding  a  distance  which  seemed  to  me  all  of 
ten  miles,  I  at  length  found  the  place  sought  for. 
I  fed  my  horse,  attended  to  the  business  which  I 
had  been  sent  to  transact,  and  then  tried  to  find 
something  in  the  way  of  rations  for  myself,  but 
failed  utterly.  Not  a  mouthful  could  I  procure 
either  at  the  sutler's  headquarters,  cook-house,  or 


A    DREARY    RIDE.  201 

in  any  other  place.  I  went  to  two  houses  and 
they  told  me  they  had  not  a  mouthful  in  the 
house  cooked  or  uncooked — but  of  course  I  be 
lieved  as  much  of  that  story  as  I  pleased. 

The  day  had  been  very  cold ;  there  had  been 
several  smart  showers  during  my  ride,  and  now  it 
began  to  snow — a  sort  of  sleet  which  froze  as  fast 
as  it  fell.  This  was  an  October  day  in  Old  Vir 
ginia.  Oh !  what  an  afternoon  I  spent  in  the  sad 
dle  on  my  return ;  hungry,  wet,  and  shivering  with 
cold.  I  traveled  as  fast  as  my  horse  was  able  to 
go  until  ten  o'clock  at  night,  with  the  hope  of 
overtaking  the  troops  I  had  left  in  the  morning, 
but  all  in  vain,  for  the  whole  line  of  march  and 
programme  for  the  day  had  been  changed,  in  con 
sequence  of  coming  in  contact  with  the  enemy  and 
having  a  sharp  skirmish,  which  resulted  in  our 
troops  being  nearly  outflanked  and  cut  off  from 
the  main  body  of  the  arrny. 

Of  course  I  had  no  opportunity  of  knowing  this 
that  night,  so  on  I  went  in  another  direction  from 
that  in  which  the  advance  guard  had  gone.  By 
and  by  I  came  to  some  fresh  troops  just  from  the 
North,  who  had  lately  enlisted  and  been  sent  down 
to  Washington,  and  now  were  on  their  way  to 
join  McClellan's  army.  They  had  been  put  on 
guard  duty  for  the  first  time,  and  that  too  without 
any  definite  orders,  their  officers  having  concluded 
to  remain  there  until  the  main  column  came  up, 
and  they  scarcely  knew  where  they  were  or  what 


292  A    GREEN    GUARD. 

orders  to  give  their  men.  As  I  rode  up,  one  of  the 
boys — for  if  boy  he  was,  not  more  than  six 
teen  summers  had  graced  his  youthful  brow- 
stepped  out  in  the  middle  of  the  road  with  his 
musket  at  a  u  trail  arms,"  and  there  he  stood  till  I 
came  up  close  to  him,  and  then  he  did  not  even 
say  "  halt,"  but  quietly  told  me  that  I  could  not  go 
any  farther  in  that  direction.  Why  not  ?  Well, 
he  didn't  exactly  know,  but  he  was  put  there  on 
guard,  and  he  supposed  it  was  to  prevent  any  one 
from  going  backward  or  forward.  Whether  they 
have  the  countersign  or  not?  Well,  he  did  not 
know  how  that  was.  I  then  asked  him  if  the  officer 
of  the  guard  had  given  him  the  countersign.  Yes, 
but  he  did  not  know  whether  it  was  right  or  not. 
"Well,"  said  I,  "perhaps  I  can  tell  you 
whether  it  is  correct ;  I  have  just  come  from 
headquarters."  He  seemed  to  think  that  there 
could  be  no  harm  in  telling  me  if  I  had  been  at 
headquarters,  so  he  told  me  without  any  hesitation. 
Whereupon  I  proceeded  to  tell  him  of  the  impro 
priety  of  doing  so ;  that  it  was  a  military  offense 
for  which  he  could  be  punished  severely;  and 
that  he  had  no  right  to  give  the  countersign  to 
any  one,  not  even  the  general  in  command.  Then 
told  him  how  to  hold  his  musket  when  he  chal 
lenged  any  one  on  his  beat,  and  within  how  many 
paces  to  let  them  approach  him  before  halting 
them,  etc.  The  boy  received  both  lecture  and  in 
structions  "in  the  spirit  of  meekness,"  and  by  the 


SEEKING    SHELTER.  293 

time  I  had  finished  a  number  of  the  men  were 
standing  around  me  eager  to  ask  questions,  and 
especially  if  I  knew  to  what  portion  of  the  army 
that  particular  regiment  was  to  be  assigned. 

After  passing  along  through  these  green  troops 
I  rode  on  till  I  came  to  a  little  village,  which  I 
never  learned  the  name  of,  and  intended  to  stop 
there  the  remainder  of  the  night ;  but  upon  learn 
ing  that  a  band  of  guerrillas  occupied  it,  I  turned 
aside,  preferring  to  seek  some  other  place  of  rest. 
I  traveled  till  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  when 
my  horse  began  to  show  signs  of  giving  out ;  then 
I  stopped  at  a  farm-house,  but  not  being  able  to 
make  any  one  hear  me,  I  hitched  my  horse  under 
cover  of  a  wood-shed,  and  taking  the  blanket  from 
under  the  saddle,  I  lay  down  beside  him,  the  sad 
dle-blanket  being  my  only  covering.     The  storm 
had  ceased,  but  the  night  was  intensely  cold,  arid 
the  snow  was  about  two  or  three  inches  deep.     I 
shall  always  believe  that  I  would  have  perished 
that  night,  had  not  my  faithful  horse  lain  down 
beside  me,  and  by  the  heat  of  his  beautiful  head, 
which  he  laid  across  my  shoulders,  (a  thing  which 
he  always  did  whenever  I  lay  down  where  he  could 
reach  me,)  kept  me  from  perishing  in  my  wet 
clothes. 

It^  will  be  remembered  that  I  had  started  at 
daylight  the  previous  morning,  and  had  never 
been  out  of  the  saddle,  or  fed  my  horse  but  once 
since  I  started,  and  had  not  eaten  a  mouthful  my- 


294  A    GUERRILLA    FIGHT. 

self  for  twenty-four  hours,  and  had  ridden  all  day 
and  almost  all  night  in  the  storm.  In  the  morning 
my  feet  and  hands  were  so  chilled  that  they  were 
perfectly  numb,  and  I  could  scarcely  stand.  How 
ever,  as  soon  as  daylight  came  I  started  again. 
About  a  mile  from  there  I  went  into  a  field  where 
the  unhusked  corn  stood  in  stacks,  and  fed  my 
horse. 

While  employed  in  this  manner,  there  came 
along  a  party  of  our  cavalry  looking  after  that  band 
of  guerrillas  which  I  had  passed  the  night  before. 
It  was  known  that  they  were  in  the  neighborhood, 
and  these  men  were  sent  out  in  search  of  them. 
I  told  them  what  I  knew  about  it,  and  intimated 
that  if  I  were  not  so  hungry,  I  would  go  back  with 
them  to  the  village.  That  objection  was  soon  re 
moved,  by  supplying  me  with  a  substantial  break 
fast  from  their  haversacks.  We  started  for  the 
village,  and  had  gone  about  five  miles  when  we 
were  suddenly  surprised  and  fired  upon  by  the 
guerrillas.  Two  of  our  men  were  killed  on  the 
spot,  and  my  horse  received  three  bullets.  He 
reared  and  plunged  before  he  fell,  and  in  doing  so 
the  saddle-girth  was  broken,  and  saddle  and  rider 
were  thrown  over  his  head.  I  was  thrown  on  the 
ground  violently  which  stunned  me  for  a  moment, 
and  my  horse  soon  fell  beside  me,  his  blood  pour 
ing  from  three  wounds.  Making  a  desperate  effort 
to  rise,  he  groaned  once,  fell  back,  and  throwing 
his  neck  across  my  body,  he  saturated  me  from 


PLAYING    POSSUM.  295 

head  to  foot  with  his  blood.  He  died  in  a  few 
minutes.  I  remained  in  that  position,  not  daring 
to  rise,  for  our  party  had  fled  and  the  rebels  pur 
sued  them.  A  very  few  minutes  elapsed  when 
the  guerrillas  returned,  and  the  first  thing  I  saw 
was  one  of  the  men  thrusting  his  sabre  into  one 
of  the  dead  men  beside  me.  I  was  lying  partially 
on  my  face,  so  I  closed  my  eyes  and  passed  for 
dead.  The  rebels  evidently  thought  I  was  un 
worthy  of  their  notice,  for  after  searching  the  bod 
ies  of  the  two  dead  men  they  rode  away ;  but  just 
as  I  was  making  up  my  mind  to  crawl  out  from 
under  the  dead  horse,  I  heard  the  tramp  of  a 
horse's  feet,  and  lay  perfectly  still  and  held  my 
breath.  It  was  one  of  the  same  men,  who  had  re 
turned.  Dismounting,  he  came  up  and  took  hold 
of  my  feet,  and  partially  drew  me  from  under  the 
horse's  head,  and  then  examined  my  pockets. 
Fortunately,  I  had  no  official  documents  with  me, 
and  very  little  money — not  more  than  five  dollars. 
After  transferring  the  contents  of  my  pockets  to 
his  own,  he  re-mounted  his  horse  and  rode  away, 
without  ever  suspecting  that  the  object  before  him 
was  playing  possum. 

Not  long  after  the  departure  of  the  guerrillas, 
our  party  returned  with  reinforcements  and  pur 
sued  the  rebel  band.  One  of  the  men  returned  to 
camp  with  me,  letting  me  ride  his  horse,  and  walk 
ed  all  the  way  himself.  The  guerrillas  were  cap 
tured  that  day,  and,  after  searching  them,  my 


296  RETURN    TO    CAMP. 

pocket-book  was  found  upon  one  of  them,  and 
was  returned  to  me  with  its  contents  undisturbed. 
It  lies  before  me,  while  I  write,  reminding  me  of 
that  narrow  escape,  and  of  the  mercy  of  God  in 
sparing  my  unprofitable  life. 

A  Sov'reign  Protector  I  have, 

Unseen,  yet  forever  at  hand ; 
Unchangeably  faithful  to  save, — 

Almighty  to  rule  and  command. 

After  returning  to  camp,  I  found  that  I  had 
sustained  more  injury  by  my  -fall  from  the  horse 
than  I  had  realized  at  the  time.  But  a  broken 
limb  would  have  been  borne  cheerfully,  if  I  could 
only  have  had  my  pet  horse  again.  That  evening 
we  held  our  weekly  prayer-meeting,  notwithstand 
ing  we  were  on  a  march.  Chaplain  and  Mrs.  B., 
Nellie,  and  Dr.  E.  were  present,  and  joined  hear 
tily  in  singing  the  following  hymn : 

And  are  we  yet  alive, 

And  see  each  other's  face  ? 
Glory  and  praise  to  Jesus  give, 

For  His  redeeming  grace. 
Preserved  by  power  divine 

To  full  salvation  here, 
Again  in  Jesus'  praise  we  join, 

And  in  his  sight  appear. 

What  troubles  have  we  seen ! 

What  conflicts  have  we  past  I 
Fightings  without,  and  fears  within, 

Since  we  assembled  last  1 
But  out  of  all  the  Lord 

Hath  brought  us  by  His  love ; 
And  still  he  doth  his  help  afford, 

And  hides  our  life  above. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

MC  CLELLAN    RELIEVED— HIS    ADDRESS— BURNSIDE    IN    COMMAND 
—ON    THE  MARCH— FALMOUTH— MY  RIDE— OLD    BATTLEFIELDS 

— SAD  SIGHTS — "YANKEE  SKULLS  "—"BONE  ORNAMENTS" 

SHELLING  FREDERICKSBURG PONTOON    BRIDGES OCCUPATION 

OF  THE  CITY— AIDE-DE-CAMP— DREADFUL  SLAUGHTER— A  GAL 
LANT  MAJOR— STRANGE  SIGHTS— DARK  NIGHT— DEATH  OF 
GENERAL  BAYARD— SOMEONE'S  PET— RECROSSING  THE  RAP- 
PAH  ANNO  CK. 

AFTER  reaching  Warrenton  the  army  en 
camped  in  that  vicinity  for  a  few  days— 
during  which  "Father  Abraham"  took  the  favor 
able  opportunity  of  relieving  the  idol  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac  from  his  command,  and  ordered 
him  to  report  at  Trenton,  New  Jersey,  just  as  he 
was  entering  upon  another  campaign,  with  his' 
army  in  splendid  condition. 

After  a  brief  address  and  an  affecting  farewell  to 
officers  and  men,  he  hastened  to  comply  with  the 
order.  His  farewell  address  was  as  follows : 

'November  7th,  1862.  Officers  and  Soldiers 
of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac :  An  order  of  the 
President  devolves  upon  Major-General  Burnside 
the  command  of  this  army.  In  parting  from  you 
I  cannot  express  the  love  and  gratitude  I  bear 
you.  As  an  army  you  have  grown  up  under  my 


298  MCCLELLAN     RELIEVED. 

care.  In  you  I  have  never  found  doubt  or  cold 
ness.  The  battles  you  have  fought  under  my 
command  will  proudly  live  in  our  nation's  his 
tory.  The  glory  you  have  achieved,  our  mu 
tual  perils  and  fatigues,  the  graves  of  our  com 
rades  fallen  in  battle  and  by  disease,  the  broken 
forms  of  those  whom  wounds  and  sickness  have 
disabled — the  strongest  associations  which  can 
exist  among  men — unite  us  still  by  an  indissoluble 
tie.  We  shall  ever  be  comrades  in  supporting  the 
constitution  of  our  country  and  the  nationality  of 
its  people." 

That  was  a  sad  day  for  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

The  new  commander  marched  the  army  imme 
diately  to  Falmouth,  opposite  Fredericksburg.  Of 
the  incidents  of  that  march  I  know  nothing,  for  I 
went  to  Washington,  and  from  thence  to  Aquia 
Creek  by  water. 

I  did  not  return  to  Washington  on  the  cars,  but 
rode  on  horseback,  and  made  a  two  days'  trip  of 
it,  visiting  all  the  old  places  as  I  went.  The  bat 
tle-ground  of  the  first  and  second  Bull  Run  battles, 
Centerville,  Fairfax  Court  House,  and  Chentilla. 

But  how  shall  I  describe  the  sights  which  I  saw 
and  the  impressions  which  I  had  as  I  rode  over 
those  fields !  There  were  men  and  horses  thrown 
together  in  heaps,  and  some  clay  thrown  on  them 
above  ground ;  others  lay  where  they  had  fallen, 
their  limbs  bleaching  in  the  sun  without  the  ap 
pearance  of  burial. 


SAD    SIGHTS.  299 

There  was  one  in  particular — a  cavalryman :  he 
and  his  horse  both  lay  together,  nothing  but  the 
bones  and  clothing  remained ;  but  one  of  his  arms 
stood  straight  up,  or  rather  the  bones  and  the 
coatsleeve,  his  hand  had  dropped  off  at  the  wrist 
and  lay  on  the  ground ;  not  a  finger  or  joint  was 
separated,  but  the  hand  was  perfect.  I  dismount 
ed  twice  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  away  that 
hand,  but  did  not  do  so  after  all.  I  would  have 
done  so  if  it  had  been  possible  to  find  a  clue  to 
his  name  or  regiment. 

The  few  families  who  still  live  in  that  vicinity 
tell  horrid  stories  of  the  brutal  conduct  of  the  re 
bels  after  those  battles. 

A  Southern  clergyman  declares  that  in  the 
town  where  he  now  resides  he  saw  rebel  soldiers 
selling  "Yankee  skulls"  at  ten  dollars  apiece. 
And  it  is  a  common  thing  to  see  rebel  women 
wear  rings  and  ornaments  made  of  our  soldiers' 
bones — in  fact  they  boast  of  it,  even  to  the  Union 
soldiers,  that  they  have  "  Yankee  bone  ornaments." 

This  to  me  was  a  far  more  sickening  sight  than 
was  presented  at  the  time  of  the  battles,  with  dead 
and  wounded  lying  in  their  gore.  I  looked  in 
vain  for  the  old  "brush  heap"  which  had  once 
screened  me  from  the  rebel  cavalry ;  the  fire  had 
consumed  it.  But  the  remains  of  the  Stone  Church 
at  Centerville  was  an  object  of  deep  interest  to  me. 

I  went  from  Washington  to  Aquia  Creek  by 
steamer,  and  from  thence  to  Falmouth  on  horse- 


300  ENCAMPED    IN    THE    MUD. 

back.  I  found  the  army  encamped  in  the  mud  for 
miles  along  the  Rappahannock  river. 

The  river  is  very  narrow  between  Falmouth  and 
Fredericksburg,  not  more  than  a  stone's  cast  in 
some  places.  I  have  often  seen  the  pickets  on 
both  sides  amusing  themselves  by  throwing  stones 
across  it. 

Some  writer  in  describing  the  picturesque  sce 
nery  in  this  locality  says :  "  There  is  a  young  river 
meandering  through  its  center,  towards  which 
slope  down  beautiful  banks  of  mud  on  either  side, 
while  the  fields  are  delightfully  variegated  by  al 
ternate  patches  of  snow  and  swamp,  and  the  nu 
merous  roads  are  in  such  condition  that  no  matter 
which  one  you  take  you  are  sure  to  wish  you  had 
tried  another  instead." 

All  the  mud  and  bad  roads  on  the  Peninsula 
could  not  bear  the  least  comparison  with  that  of 
Falmouth  and  along  the  Rappahannock. 

It  was  now  December  and  the  weather  was  ex 
tremely  cold,  yet  the  constant  rains  kept  the  roads 
in  the  most  terrible  state  imaginable. 

On  riding  along  the  brink  of  the  river  we  could 
see  distinctly  the  rebel  batteries  frowning  on  the 
heights  beyond  the  city  of  Fredericksburg,  and 
the  rebel  sentinels  walking  their  rounds  within 
talking  distance  of  our  own  pickets. 

On  the  eleventh  the  city  was  shelled  by  our 
troops.  The  pontoon  bridges  were  laid  amid  show 
ers  of  bullets  from  the  sharpshooters  of  the  enemy, 


THE     BATTLE-FIELD.  301 

who  were  ensconced  in  the  houses  on  the  opposite 
bank.  However,  the  work  went  steadily  on,  not 
withstanding  that  two  out  of  every  three  who 
were  engaged  in  laying  the  bridges  were  either 
killed  or  wounded.  But  as  fast  as  one  fell  another 
took  his  place. 

Soon  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  take  care  of 
those  sharpshooters  before  the  bridges  could  be 
finished.  Several  companies  filed  into  boats  and 
rowed  across  in  a  few  minutes,  the  men  of  the  Sev 
enth  Michigan  leading  the  van,  and  drove  the 
rebels  from  the  houses,  killing  some  and  taking 
many  prisoners. 

The  bridges  were  soon  completed,  the  troops 
marched  over  and  took  possession  of  the  city. 
Headquarters  were  established  in  the  principal 
building,  and  a  church  and  other  large  buildings 
were  appropriated  for  hospital  purposes. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  my  journal, 
written  on  the  battlefield  the  second  day  after  we 
crossed  the  river : 

BATTLE-FIELD,  FREDERICKSBURG,  YA., 
December  13,  18G2. 

In  consequence  of  one  of  General  II. 's  staff  of 
ficers  being  ill  I  have  volunteered  to  take  his 
place,  and  am  now  aide-de-camp  to  General  II.  I 
wish  my  friends  could  see  me  in  my  present  uni 
form  !  This  division  will  probably  charge  on  the 
enemy's  works  this  afternoon.  God  grant  them 
success !  While  I  write  the  roar  of  cannon  and 


r 


302  DREADFUL    SLAUGHTER. 

musketry  is  almost  deafening,  and  the  shot  and 
shell  are  falling  fast  on  all  sides.  This  may  be 
my  last  entry  in  this  journal.  God's  will  be  done. 
I  commit  myself  to  Him,  soul  and  body.  I  must 
close.  General  H.  has  mounted  his  horse,  and 
says  Come — I 

Of  course  it  is  not  for  me  to  say  whose  fault  it 
was  in  sacrificing  those  thousands  of  noble  lives 
which  fell  upon  that  disastrous  field,  or  in  charging 
again  and  again  upon  those  terrible  stone  walls 
and  fortifications,  after  being  repulsed  every  time 
with  more  than  half  their  number  lying  on  the 
ground.  The  brave  men,  nothing  daunted  by 
their  thinned  ranks,  advanced  more  fiercely  on 
the  foe — 

Plunged  in  the  battery's  smoke, 
Fiercely  the  line  they  broke  ; 
Strong  was  the  saber  stroke, 
Making  an  array  reel. 

But  when  it  was  proved  to  a  demonstration  that 
it  was  morally  impossible  to  take  and  retain  those 
heights,  in  consequence  of  the  natural  advantage 
of  position  which  the  rebels  occupied,  and  still 
would  occupy  if  they  should  fall  back — whose 
fault  was  it  that  the  attempt  was  made  time  after 
time,  until  the  field  was  literally  piled  with  dead 
and  ran  red  with  blood  ?  We  may  truly  say  of 
the  brave  soldiers  thus  sacrificed — ' 

Their's  not  to  reason  why, 
Their's  not  to  make  reply, 
Their's  but  to  do  and  die. 


A    GALLANT    MAJOR.  303 

Among  the  many  who  fell  in  that  dreadful  bat 
tle  perhaps  there  is  none  more  worthy  of  notice 
than  the  brave  and  heroic  Major  Edward  E. 
Sturtevant,  of  Keene,  New  Hampshire,  who  fell 
while  leading  the  gallant  Fifth  in  a  charge 
upon  the  enemy.  He  was  the  first  man  in  New 
Hampshire  who  enlisted  for  the  war.  He  was  im 
mediately  authorized  by  the  Governor  to  make  en 
listments  for  the  First  New  Hampshire  Volunteers, 
and  was  eminently  successful.  He  held  the  com 
mission  of  captain  in  the  First  Regiment,  and  af 
terwards  was  promoted  major  of  the  Fifth. 

One  of  the  leading  papers  of  his  native  State 
has  the  following  with  regard  to  him:  "He  was 
in  every  battle  where  the  regiment  was  engaged, 
nine  or  ten  in  number,  besides  skirmishes,  and  was 
slightly  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Fair  Oaks.  He 
commanded  the  regiment  most  of  the  time  on  the 
retreat  from  the  Chickahominy  to  James  river. 
The  filial  affection  of  the  deceased  was  of  the 
strongest  character,  and  made  manifest  in  substan 
tial  ways  on  many  occasions.  His  death  is  the 
first  in  the  household,  and  deep  is  the  grief  that 
is  experienced  there ;  but  that  grief  will  doubtless 
be  mitigated  by  the  consoling  circumstance  that 
the  departed  son  and  brother  died  in  a  service 
that  will  hallow  his  memory  forever.  A  braver 
man  or  more  faithful  friend  never  yielded  up  his 
spirit  amidst  the  clash  of  arms  and  the  wail  of  the 
dying." 


304  STRANGE    SIGHTS. 

I  well  remember  the  desperate  charge  which 
that  brave  oiFicer  made  upon  the  enemy  just  before 
he  fell,  and  the  thinned  and  bleeding  ranks  of  his 
men  as  they  returned,  leaving  their  beloved  com 
mander  on  the  field,  reminded  me  of  the  u  gallant 
six  hundred,"  of  whom  Tennyson  has  written  the 
following  lines : 

Stormed  at  with  shot  and  shell, 
They  that  had  struck  so  well 
Rode  through  the  jaws  of  death, 
Half  a  league  back  again 
Up,  from  the  mouth  of  hell — 
All  that  was  left  of  them. 

I  have  since  had  the  pleasure  of  becoming  ac 
quainted  with  the  bereaved  family  of  the  deceased, 
and  deeply  sympathize  with  them  in  the  loss  of 
one  so  noble,  kind,  and  brave. 

Major  Sturtevant  was  the  son  of  George  W. 
Sturtevant,  Esq.,  and  nephew  of  Rev.  David. Kil- 
burn — one  of  the  pioneers  of  Methodism — whom, 
thousands  will  remember  as  a  faithful  and  efficient 
minister  of  the  Gospel. 

During  the  progress  of  that  battle  I  saw  many 
strange  sights — although  I  had  been  in  many  a 
fierce  battle  before.  I  never  saw,  till  then,  a  man 
deliberately  shoot  himself,  with  his  own  pistol,  in 
order  to  save  the  rebels  the  satisfaction  of  doing 
so,  as  it  would  seem. 

As  one  brigade  was  ordered  into  line  of  battle, 
I  saw  an  officer  take  out  his  pistol  and  shoot  him 
self  through  the  side — not  mortally,  I  am  sorry  to 


GENERAL    BAYARD.  305 

Say,  but  just  sufficient  to  unfit  him  for  duty;  so  he 
was  carried  to  the  rear — he  protesting  that  it  was 
done  by  accident. 

Another  officer  I  saw  there,  a  young  and  hand 
some  lieutenant,  disgrace  his  shoulder-straps  by 
showing  the  white  feather  at  the  very  moment 
\vhen  he  was  most  needed. 

I  rode  three  miles  with  General  H.  to  General 
Franklin's  headquarters,  the  second  night  we  were 
at  Fredericksburg,  and  of  all  the  nights  that  I  can 
recall  to  -mind  that  was  the  darkest.  On  our  way 
we  had  numerous  ditches  to  leap,  various  ravines 
to  cross,  and  mountains  to  climb,  which  can  be 
better  imagined  than  described.  It  was  not  only 
once  or  twice  that  horse  and  rider  went  tumbling 
into  chasms  head  first,  but  frequently. 

As  we  passed  along,  we  stopped  at  the  head 
quarters  of  General  Bayard  (General  of  Cavalry)  a 
few  minutes — found  him  enjoying  a  cup  of  coffee- 
under  a  large  tree,  which  constituted  his  head 
quarters.  We  called  again  when  we  returned,  but 
he  was  cold  in  death,  having  been  struck  by  a 
stray  shot,  and  died  in  a  short  time.  He  was 
killed  just  where  we  had  left  him,  under  the  tree. 
He  was  a  splendid  officer,  and  his  removal  was  a 
great  loss  to  the  Federal  cause.  His  death  cast  a 
gloom  over  his  whole  command  which  was  deeply 
felt. 

Of  the  wounded  of  this  battle  I  can  say  but  lit 
tle,  for  my  time  was  fully  occupied  in  the  respon^ 


306  A    BRAVE    OFFICER. 

sible  duties  which  I  had  volunteered  to  perform ; 
and  so  constantly  was  I  employed,  that  I  was  not 
out  of  the  saddle  but  once  in  twelve  hours,  and 
that  was  to  assist  an  officer  of  the  Seventy-ninth, 
who  lay  writhing  in  agony  on  the  field,  having 
been  seized  with  cramps  and  spasms,  and  was  suf 
fering  the  most  extreme  pain.  He  was  one  of  the 
brave  and  fearless  ones,  however,  and  in  less  than 
an  hour,  after  having  taken  some  powerful  medi 
cine  which  I  procured  for  him,  he  was  again  on 
his  horse,  at  the  general's  side. 

On  going  to  the  Church  hospital  in  search  of 
Doctor  E.,  I  saw  an  immense  shell  which  had  been 
sent  through  the  building  and  fell  on  the  floor,  in 
the  centre  of  those  wounded  and  dying  men  who 
had  just  been  carried  off  the  field,  and  placed  there 
for  safety.  But  strange  to  say,  it  did  not  burst  or 
injure  any  one,  and  was  carried  out  and  laid  beside 
the  mangled  limbs  which  had  been  amputated  in 
consequence  of  contact  with  just  such  instruments 
of  death.  I  saw  the  remains  of  the  Rev.  A.  B. 
Fuller,  Chaplain  of  the  Sixteenth  Massachusetts, 
as  they  were  removed  to  the  camp.  He  was  faith 
ful  to  his  trust,  and  died  at  his  post. 

On  one  of  my  necessary  rides,  in  the  darkness 
of  that  dreadful  night,  I  passed  by  a  grave-yard 
near  by  where  our  reserves  were  lying — and  there, 
in  that  hour  of  darkness  and  danger,  I  heard  the 
voice  of  prayer  ascend.  A  group  of  soldiers  were 
there  holding  communion  with  God — strengthen- 


PRAYER    IN    A    GRAVE-YARD.  307 

ing  their  souls  for  the  coming  conflict.  There 
are,  scattered  over  the  battle-fields  and  camping- 
grounds  of  this  war,  Bethels,  consecrated  to  God, 
and  sacred  to  souls  who  have  wrestled  and  pre 
vailed.  This  retirement  was  a  grave-yard,  with  a 
marble  slab  for  an  altar,  where  that  little  band 
met  to  worship  God — perhaps  for  the  last  time. 

But  among  all  the  dead  and  wounded,  I  saw 
none  who  touched  my  heart  so  much  as  one  beau 
tiful  boy,  severely  wounded ;  he  was  scarcely  more 
than  a  child,  and  certainly  a  very  attractive  one. 
Some  one  writes  the  following,  after  he  was  sent 
to  a  hospital : 

"Among  the  many  brave,  uncomplaining  fel 
lows  who  were  brought  up  to  the  hospital  from 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  was  a  bright-eyed 
and  intelligent  youth,  sixteen  years  old,  who  be 
longed  to  a  northern  regiment.  He  appeared 
more  affectionate  and  tender,  more  refined  and 
thoughtful  than  many  of  his  comrades,  and  at 
tracted  a  good  deal  of  attention  from  the  attend 
ants  and  visitors.  Manifestly  the  pet  of  some 
household  which  he  had  left,  perhaps,  in  spite  of 
entreaty  and  tears.  He  expressed  an  anxious  long 
ing  for  the  arrival  of  his  mother,  who  was  expected, 
having  been  informed  that  he  was  mortally  wound 
ed,  and  failing  fast.  Ere  she  arrived,  however,  he 
died.  But  before  the  end,  almost  his  last  act  of 
consciousness  was  the  thought  that  she  had  really 
come ;  for,  as  a  lady  sat  by  his  pillow  and  wiped 


308  SOMEONE'S  PET. 

the  death-dews  from  his  brow,  just  as  his  sight 
was  failing,  he  rallied  a  little,  like  an  expiring 
taper  in  its  socket,  looked  up  longingly  and  joy 
fully,  and  in  tones  that  drew  tears  from  every  eye 
whispered  audibly,  i  Is  that  mother  ? '  Then  draw 
ing  her  toward  him  with  all  his  feeble  power,  he 
nestled  his  head  in  her  arms,  like  a  sleeping  child, 
and  thus  died,  with  the  sweet  word,  'Mother,'  oil 
his  lips." 

Raise  me  in  your  arms,  dear  mother, 

Let  me  once  more  look 
On  the  green  and  waving  willows, 

And  the  flowing  brook ; 
Hark,  those  strains  of  angel  music 

From  the  choirs  above ! 
Dearest  mother,  I  am  going, 

Truly  "God  is  love." 

A  council  of  war  was  held  by  our  generals,  and 
the  conclusion  arrived  at  that  the  enterprise  should 
be  abandoned,  and  that  the  army  should  recross 
the  Rappahannock  under  cover  of  darkness.  Ev 
erything  was  conducted  in  the  most  quiet  manner ; 
so  quiet,  indeed,  that  the  enemy  never  suspected, 
the  movement,  and  the  retreat  was  accomplished, 
and  the  bridges  partially  removed,  before  the  fact 
was  discovered. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

AFTER   THE    BATTLE SUFFERINGS    OF    THE    WOUNDED GENERAL 

BURNSIDE'S  ORDER — "  STUCK  IN  THE  MUD  " — HOOKER  IN  COM 
MAND WESTERN    CAMPAIGN CAVALRY    RECONNOISSANCE — • 

ANOTHER    DISGUISE AGAIN    IN    DIXIE A    WEDDING    PARTY 

IN    A    TRAP — REBEL     CONSCRIPT ON    THE     MARCH-— A     REBEL 

CAPTAIN A    FIERCE    ENGAGEMENT AGAIN    UNDER    THE     OLD 

FLAG PAYING    A    DEBT    OF    GRATITUDE. 

AFTER  the  battle  of  Fredericksburgh  the 
weather  was  very  cold,  and  the  wounded 
suffered  exceedingly — even  after  they  were  sent 
to  Aquia  Creek,  and  other  places — for  they  could 
not  all  be  provided  for  and  made  comfortable  im 
mediately.  Our  troops  returned  to  their  old  camps 
in  the  mud,  and  remained  stationary  for  several 
weeks,  notwithstanding  our  daily  orders  were  to 
be  ready  to  march  at  a  moment's  notice.  The  un 
necessary  slaughter  of  our  men  at  Fredericksburg 
had  a  sad  effect  upon  our  troops,  and  the  tone  of 
the  northern  press  was  truly  distressing.  The 
wailing  for  the  noble  dead  seemed  wafted  on  ev 
ery  breeze,  for 

In  the  city,  in  the  village, 

In  the  hamlet  far  away, 
Sit  the  mothers,  watching,  waiting, 

For  their  soldier  boys  to-day. 


310          GENERAL    BURNSIDfi's    ORDER. 

They  are  coming,  daily  coming, 

One  by  one,  and  score  by  score, 
In  their  leaden  casings  folded, 

Underneath  the  flag  they  bore. 

On  the  twentieth  of  January  General  Burnside 
issued  the  following  order  to  the  army,  which  was 
joyfully  received ;  for  of  all  places  for  an  encamp 
ment,  that  seemed  to  be  the  most  inconvenient  and 
disagreeable : 


HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  ] 
Camp  near  Falmouih,  Va.,  Jan.  20,  1863.  ( 

GENERAL  ORDERS — No.  7. 

The  Commanding  General  announces  to  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  that  they  are  about  to  meet 
the  enemy  once  more.  The  late  brilliant  actions 
in  North  Carolina,  Tennessee  and  Arkansas,  have 
divided  and  weakened  the  enemy  on  the  Rappa- 
hannock,  and  the  auspicious  moment  seems  to 
have  arrived  to  strike  a  great  and  mortal  blow  to 
the  rebellion,  and  to  gain  that  decisive  victory 
which  is  due  to  the  country. 

Let  the  gallant  soldiers  of  so  many  brilliant  bat 
tle-fields  accomplish  this  achievement,  and  a  fame 
the  most  glorious  awaits  them. 

The  Commanding  General  calls  for  the  firm  and 
•united  action  of  officers  and  men,  and,  under  the 
providence  of  God,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
will  have  taken  the  great  step  towards  restoring 


WESTERN    CAMPAIGN.  311 

peace  to  the  country,  and  the  Government  to  its 
rightful  authority. 

By  command  of  MAJOR-GENERAL  BURNSIDE. 
LEWIS  RICHMOND,  Assistant  Adjutant- General. 

Soon  after  this  order  was  issued  a  portion  of 
the  army  did  really  move — but  the  pontoons  be 
came  "  stuck  in  the  mud,"  and  the  troops  returned 
again.  In  this  manner  the  winter  wore  away,  and 
a  severe  winter  I  thought  it  was ;  for  in  riding  a 
distance  of  two  miles,  in  two  instances,  I  had  my 
feet  frozen. 

General  Hooker  was  now  put  in  command  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  Burnside,  with  the 
Ninth  Army  Corps,  ordered  to  the  Western  de 
partment.  Being  desirous  of  leaving  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  I  now  applied  for  permission  to 
go  with  the  Ninth  Corps,  which  was  granted.  I 
did  not  go  with  the  troops,  however,  but  went  to 
Washington  first,  and  remained  several  days ;  then 
took  the  cars  and  proceeded  to  Louisville,  Ken 
tucky,  and  arrived  there  before  the  troops  did. 

The  last  entry  in  my  journal,  before  leaving  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  was  as  follows:  "The 
weather  department  is  in  perfect  keeping  with  the 
War  Department ;  its  policy  being  to  make  as 
many  changes  as  possible,  and  every  one  worse 
than  the  last.  May  God  bless  the  old  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  and  save  it  from  total  annihilation." 


312  CAVALRY    RECONNOISSANCE. 

On  the  arrival  of  the  troops  at  Louisville,  they 
were  sent  in  detachments  to  different  places — some 
to  Bardstown,  some  to  Lebanon,  and  others  to 
guard  different  portions  of  the  railroad. 

The  third  day  after  my  arrival  I  went  out  with 
a  reconnoitering  expedition,  under  command  of 
General  M.  It  was  entirely  composed  of  cavalry. 
"VVe  rode  thirty-six  miles  that  afternoon — the  roads 
were  splendid.  When  we  were  about  twelve 
miles  from  our  lines  we  changed  our  course  and 
struck  through  the  woods,  fording  creeks  and 
crossing  swamps,  which  was  anything  but  pleasant. 

After  emerging  from  the  thick  undergrowth,  on 
one  occasion,  we  came  upon  an  inferior  force  of 
the  enemy's  cavalry ;  a  sharp  skirmish  ensued, 
which  resulted  in  the  capture  of  five  prisoners 
from  the  rebel  band,  and  wounding  several.  Three 
of  our  men  were  slightly  wounded,  but  we  re 
turned  to  Louisville  in  good  order,  and  enjoyed 
the  luxury  of  a  good  supper  at  a  hotel,  which  is  a 
rare  thing  in  that  city. 

I  took  the  cars  the  next  day  and  went  to 
Lebanon — dressed  in  one  of  the  rebel  prisoner's 
clothes — and  thus  disguised,  made  another  trip  to 
rebeldom.  My  business  purported  to  be  buying 
up  butter  and  eggs,  at  the  farm-houses,  for  the 
rebel  army.  I  passed  through  the  lines  some 
where,  without  knowing  it ;  for  on  coming  to  a 
little  village  toward  evening,  I  found  it  occupied 
by  a  strong  force  of  rebel  cavalry.  The  first  house 


CAPTAIN    LOGAN.  313 

I  went  to  was  filled  with  officer^  and  citizens.  1 
had  stumbled  upon  a  wedding  party,  unawares. 
Captain  Logan,  a  recruiting  officer,  had  been  mar 
ried  that  afternoon  to  a  brilliant  young  widow 
whose  husband  had  been  killed  in  the  rebel  army 
a  few  months  before.  She  had  discovered  that 
widow's  weeds  were  not  becoming  to  her  style  of 
beauty,  so  had  decided  to  appear  once  more  in 
bridal  costume,  for  a  change. 

I  was  questioned  pretty  sharply  by  the  hand 
some  captain  in  regard  to  the  nature  of  my  busi 
ness  in  that  locality,  but  finding  me  an  innocent, 
straightforward  Kentuckian-,  he  came  to  the  con 
clusion  that  I  was  all  right.  But  he  also  arrived 
at  the  conclusion  that  I  was  old  enough  to  be  in. 
the  army,  and  bantered  me  considerably  upon  my 
Want  of  patriotism. 

The  rebel  soldier's  clothes  which  I  wore  did  not 
indicate  any  thing  more  than  that  I  was  a  Ken- 
tuokian — for  their  cavalry  do  not  dress  in  any 
particular  uniform,  for  scarcely  two  of  them  dress 
alike — the  only  uniformity  being  that  they  most 
generally  dress  in  butternut  color. 

I  tried  to  make  my  escape  from  that  village  as 
soon  as  possible,  but  just  as  I  was  beginning  to 
congratulate  myself  upon  my  good  fortune,  who 
should  confront  me  but  Captain  Logan.  Said  he : 
"  See  here,  my  lad ;  I  think  the  best  thing  you 
can  do  is  to  enlist,  and  join  a  company  which  is 
just  forming  here  in  the  village,  and  will  leave  in 


314  IN    A    TRAP. 

the  morning.  We  are  giving  a  bounty  to  all  who 
freely  enlist,  and  are  conscripting  those  who  re 
fuse.  Which  do  you  propose  to  do,  enlist  and  get 
the  bounty,  or  refuse,  and  be  obliged  to  go  with 
out  anything?  "  I  replied,  "I  think  I  shall  wait 
a  few  days  before  I  decide."  "  But  we  can't  wait 
for  you  to  decide,"  said  the  captain ;  u  the  Yankees 
may  be  upon  us  any  moment,  for  we  are  not  far 
from  their  lines,  and  we  will  leave  here  either  to 
night  or  in  the  morning  early.  I  will  give  you 
two  hours  to  decide  this  question,  and  in  the  mean 
time  you  must  be  put  under  guard."  So  saying, 
he  marched  me  back  with  him,  and  gave  me  in 
charge  of  the  guards.  In  two  or  three  hours  he 
came  for  my  decision,  and  I  told  him  that  I  had 
concluded  to  wait  until  I  was  conscripted.  "Well," 
said  he,  "you  will  not  have  long  to  wait  for  that, 
so  you  may  consider  yourself  a  soldier  of  the  Con 
federacy  from  this  hour,  and  subject  to  military 
discipline." 

This  seemed  to  me  like  pretty  serious  business, 
especially  as  I  would  be  required  to  take  the  oath 
of  allegiance  to  the  Confederate  Government. 
However,  I  did  not  despair,  but  trusted  in  Provi 
dence  and  my  own  ingenuity  to  escape  from  this 
dilemma  also ;  and  as  I  was  not  required  to  take 
the  oath  until  the  company  was  filled  up,  I  was 
determined  to  be  among  the  missing  ere  it  became 
necessary  for  me  to  make  any  professions  of  loy 
alty  to  the  rebel  cause.  I  knew  that  if  I  should 


WEDDING    PARTY.  315 

refuse  to  be  sworn  into  the  service  after  I  was 
conscripted,  that  in  all  probability  my  true  char 
acter  would  be  suspected,  and  I  would  have  to 
suffer  the  penalty  of  death — and  that,  too,  in  the 
most  barbarous  manner. 

I  was  glad  to  find  that  it  was  a  company  of  cav 
alry  that  was  being  organized,  for  if  I  could  once 
get  on  a  good  horse  there  would  be  some  hope  of 
my  escape.  There  was  no  time  to  be  lost,  as  the 
captain  remarked,  for  the  Yankees  might  make  a 
dash  upon  us  at  any  moment ;  consequently  a  horse 
and  saddle  was  furnished  me,  and  everything  was 
made  ready  for  a  start  immediately.  Ten 
o'clock  came,  and  we  had  not  yet  started.  The 
captain  finally  concluded  that,  as  everything  seemed 
quiet,  we  would  not  start  until  daylight. 

Music  and  dancing  was  kept  up  all  night,  and  it 
was  some  time  after  daylight  when  the  captain 
made  his  appearance.  A  few  moments  more  and 
we  were  trotting  briskly  over  the  country,  the 
captain  complimenting  me  upon  my  horseman 
ship,  and  telling  me  how  grateful  I  would  be  to 
him  when  the  war  was  over  and  the  South  had 
gained  her  independence,  and  that  I  would  be 
proud  that  I  had  been  one  of  the  soldiers  of  the 
Southern  confederacy,  who  had  steeped  my  saber 
in  Yankee  blood,  and  driven  the  vandals  from  our 
soil.  "Then,"  said  he,  "you  will  thank  me  for 
the  interest  which  I  have  taken  in  you,  and  for 
the  gentle  persuasives  which  I  made  use  of  to  stir 


316  A    FIERCE    ENGAGEMENT. 

up  your  patriotism  and  remind  you  of  your  duty 
to  your  country." 

In  this  manner  we  had  traveled  about  half  an 
hour,  when  we  suddenly  encountered  a  reconnoi- 
tering  party  of  the  Federals,  cavalry  in  advance, 
and  infantry  in  the  rear.  A  contest  soon  com 
menced  ;  we  were  ordered  to  advance  in  line, 
which  we  did,  until  we  came  within  a  few  yards 
of  the  Yankees. 

The  company  advanced,  but  my  horse  suddenly 
became  unmanageable,  and  it  required  a  second 
or  two  to  bring  him  right  again ;  and  before  I 
could  overtake  the  company  and  get  in  line  the 
contending  parties  had  met  in  a  hand  to  hand 
fight. 

All  were  engaged,  so  that  when  I,  by  accident, 
got  on  the  Federal  side  of  the  line,  none  observed 
me  for  several  minutes,  except  the  Federal  officer, 
who  had  recognized  me  and  signed  to  me  to  fall 
in  next  to  him.  That  brought  me  face  to  face 
with  my  rebel  captain,  to  whom  I  owed  such  a 
debt  of  gratitude.  Thinking  this  would  be  a  good 
time  to  cancel  all  obligations  in  that  direction,  I 
discharged  the  contents  of  my  pistol  in  his  face. 

This  act  made  me  the  center  of  attraction. 
Every  rebel  seemed  determined  to  have  the  plea 
sure  of  killing  me  first,  and  a  simultaneous  dash 
was  made  toward  me  and  numerous  saber  strokes 
aimed  at  my  head.  Our  men  with  one  accord 
Vushed  between  me  and  the  enemy,  and  warded 


HOT     CONTEST.  317 

off  the  blows  with  their  sabers,  and  attacked  them 
with  such  fury  that  they  were  driven  back  several 
rods. 

The  infantry  now  came  up  and  deployed  as 
skirmishers,  and  succeeded  in  getting  a  position 
where  they  had  a  complete  cross-fire  on  the  rebels, 
and  poured  in  volley  after  volley  until  nearly  half 
their  number  lay  upon  the  ground.  Finding  it 
useless  to  fight  longer  at  such  a  disadvantage  they 
turned  and  fled,  leaving  behind  them  eleven 
killed,  twenty-nine  wounded,  and  seventeen 
prisoners. 

The  confederate  captain  was  wounded  badly 
but  not  mortally;  his  handsome  face  was  very 
much  disfigured,  a  part  of  his  nose  and  nearly  half 
of  his  upper  lip  being  shot  away.  I  was  sorry, 
for  the  graceful  curve  of  his  mustache  was  sadly 
spoiled,  and  the  happy  bride  of  the  previous  morn 
ing  would  no  longer  rejoice  in  the  beauty  of  that 
manly  face  and  exquisite  mustache  of  .which  she 
seemed  so  proud,  and  which  had  captivated  her 
heart  ere  she  had  been  three  months  a  widow. 

Our  men  suffered  considerable  loss  before  the 
infantry  came  up,  but  afterward  scarcely  lost  a 
man.  I  escaped  without  receiving  a  scratch,  but 
my  horse  was  badly  cut  across  the  neck  with  a 
saber,  but  which  did  not  injure  him.  materially, 
only  for  a  short  time. 

After  burying  the  dead,  Federal  and  rebel,  we 
returned  to  camp  with  our  prisoners  and  wounded, 


318  A    DETECTIVE. 

and  I  rejoiced  at  having  once  more  escaped  from 
the  confederate  lines. 

I  was  highly  commended  by  the  commanding 
general  for  my  coolness  throughout  the  whole  af 
fair,  and  was  told  kindly  and  candidly  that  I  would 
not  be  permitted  to  go  out  again  in  that  vicinity, 
in  the  capacity  of  spy,  as  I  would  most  assuredly 
meet  with  some  of  those  who  had  seen  me  desert 
their  ranks,  and  I  would  consequently  be  hung  up 
to  the  nearest  tree. 

Not  having  any  particular  fancy  for  such  an  ex 
alted  position,  and  not  at  all  ambitious  of  having 
my  name  handed  down  to  posterity  among  the 
list  of  those  who  "  expiated  their  crimes  upon  the 
gallows,"  I  turned  my  attention  to  more  quiet  and 
less  dangerous  duties. 

Then  sweet  thoughts  of  home  came  stealing 
over  my  mind,  and  I  exclaimed : 

Adieu,  dear  land, 

With  beauty  teeming, 
Where  first  I  roved  a  careless  child ; 

Of  thee  my  heart 

Will  e'er  be  dreaming — 
Thy  snow-clad  peaks  and  mountains  wild. 

Dear  land,  that  I  cherish, 

0,  long  may'st  thou  flourish  1 

My  memory  must  perish 

Ere  I  forget  thee. 


CHAPTER  XXY. 

APPOINTED    DETECTIVE 1  VISIT    LOUISVILLE SECESH  ACQUAINT- 

AXCES SEEKING      EMPLOYMENT PEDDLING REBEL     SPIES- 
ACTING  AS  CLERK TRAPPING  SPIES START  FOR  VICKSBURG 

PRO-SLAVERY    TROOPS CRUELTY    TO  NEGROES VISITING  HOS 
PITALS TOUCHING    SCENES AN    ARMLESS    SOLDIER PATIENT 

SUFFERING TRIUMPHANT    DEATH RALLY  ROUND  THE    FLAG 

WESTERN       CHAPLAINS SOLDIERS*       TESTIMONY EFFECT       OF 

PRAYER    IN    BATTLE CARRYING    THE    WOUNDED. 

BEING  prohibited  from  further  explorations  in 
that  region  outside  of  our  lines,  I  was  ap 
pointed  to  act  as  detective  inside  of  the  lines,  as 
there  were  many  spies  in  our  midst  who  were  daily 
giving  information  to  the  enemy,  and  had  baffled 
all  attempts  at  discovery. 

I  forthwith  dressed  in  citizen's  clothes  and  pro 
ceeded  to  Louisville,  and  there  mingled  freely 
with  the  citizens,  visited  the  different  places  of 
public  resort,  and  made  many  secesh  acquaintances. 

At  length  I  found  a  merchant  who  was  the  most 
bitter  in  his  denunciations  of  the  Yankees  that  it 
has  ever  been  my  lot  to  meet,  and  I  thought  he 
would  be  a  pretty  good  person  to  assist  me  in  my 
undertakings.  Stepping  into  his  store  one  morn 
ing  I  inquired  if  he  was  in  need  of  a  clerk.  He 
replied  that  he  would  require  help  in  a  few  days, 
as  one  of  his  clerks  was  going  to  leave. 


320  PEDDLING    AGAIN. 

Then  came  the  interrogatory  process — Who  was 
I,  where  did  I  come  from,  and  what  had  brought 
me  to  that  city?  Well,  I  was  a  foreigner,  and 
wishing  to  see  a  little  of  this  great  American  war,  I 
had  come  "  down  South ;"  and  now  that  I  was  here, 
finding  myself  scarce  of  money,  I  would  like  to 
find  some  employment.  This  was  literally  true.  I 
was  a  foreigner,  and  very  often  scarce  of  money, 
and  really  wished  him  to  employ  me. 

He  finally  told  me  that  I  might  come  in  the 
course  of  a  week ;  but  that  did  not  suit  my  pur 
pose,  so  I  told  him  I  would  rather  come  at  once, 
as  I  would  be  learning  considerable  before  the 
other  clerk  went  away ;  adding  that  he  might  give 
me  just  whatever  he  pleased  for  the  first  week's 
work.  That  seemed  to  suit  him  and  I  was  at  once 
set  to  work. 

After  I  had  been  there  several  days,  I  was  asked 
how  I  would  like  to  go  out  to  the  nearest  camp 
and  sell  some  small  articles  to  the  soldiers.  I 
would  like  it  much ;  so  was  sent  accordingly  with 
an  assortment  of  pocket  knives,  combs  and  sus 
penders.  By  the  middle  of  the  afternoon  I  had 
sold  out  my  stock  in  trade,  returned  to  the  store, 
and  gave  a  good  account  of  myself  and  of  the 
goods  intrusted  to  my  care. 

My  employer  was  pleased  with  my  success  and 
seemed  interested  in  me,  and  each  day  brought 
some  new  proof  of  his  confidence.  Things  went 
on  this  way  for  two  weeks,  in  which  time  I  had 


ACTING    AS     CLERK.  321 

succeeded,  by  the  good  merchant's  assistance,  in 
finding  a  clue  to  three  rebel  spies  then  within  our 
lines. 

I  was  often  questioned  by  my  employer  with 
regard  to  my  political  sentiments,  but  of  course  I 
did  not  know  anything  about  politics — in  fact  I 
hardly  knew  how  to  apply  the  terms  Federal  and 
Confederate,  and  often  misapplied  them  when 
talking  in  the  store,  and  was  frequently  told  that 
I  must  not  call  the  d — d  Yankees,  Confederates, 
and  all  due  pains  were  taken  to  instruct  me,  and 
give  me  a  proper  insight  into  the  true  state  of  af 
fairs,  as  seen  by  Southern  secessionists. 

At  last  I  expressed  a  desire  to  enter  the  Con 
federate  service,  and  asked  the  merchant  how  I 
should  manage  to  get  through  the  Yankee  lines  if 
I  should  decide  to  take  such  a  step.  After  a 
long  conversation,  and  much  planning,  we  at  last 
decided  that  I  should  go  through  our  lines  the 
next  night  with  a  person  who  was  considered  by 
our  troops  a  thorough  Union  man,  as  he  had  taken 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Federal  Government 
— but  who  was  in  reality  a  rebel  spy. 

That  afternoon  I  was  sent  out  again  to  dispose 
of  some  goods  to  the  soldiers,  and  while  I  was 
gone  took  the  favorable  opportunity  of  informing 
the  Provost  Marshal  of  my  intended  escape  the 
following  night  together  with  my  brother  spy. 

After  telling  him  that  I  might  not  be  able  to 

leave  the  store  again  with  any  more  definite  in- 
21 


322  EEBEL    SPIES. 

formation  without  incurring  suspicion,  and  that  he 
had  better  send  some  one  to  the  store  at  a  certain 
hour  the  next  clay  to  purchase  some  trifle,  so  that 
I  might  inclose  in  the  parcel  the  necessary  infor 
mation,  I  went  back  to  the  store,  and  my  clever 
employer  told  me  that  I  had  better  not  trouble 
myself  any  more  about  anything,  but  get  ready 
for  my  journey.  Having  but  little  preparation  to 
make,  however,  I  soon  returned  to  the  store. 

Not  long  after  a  gentleman  came  in,  to  whom  I 
was  introduced,  and  was  told  that  this  was  the 
person  who  proposed  to  conduct  me  through  the 
lines  He  was  not  announced  in  his  true  charac^ 
ter,  but  I  understood  at  once  that  this  gentlemanly 
personage  was  no  less  than  the  spy  before  referrec] 
to.  He  questioned  me  pretty  sharply,  but  I  being 
u  slow  of  speech,"  referred  him  to  the  merchant, 
whose  eloquence  had  convinced  me  of  my  duty  to 
the  Southern  confederacy. 

My  employer  stood  beside  me  and  gave  him  a 
brief  history  of  our  acquaintance  and  of  his  confi 
dence  in  me ;  also  of  his  own  peculiar  faculty  of 
impressing  the  truth  upon  unprejudiced  minds. 

The  spy  evidently  took  me  for  a  poor  green 
boy  whom  the  merchant  had  nattered  into  the 
idea  of  becoming  a  soldier,  but  who  did  not  realize 
the  responsibility  of  my  position,  and  I  confirmed 
him  in  that  opinion  by  saying — "Well,  I  suppose 
if  I  don't  like  soldiering  they  will  let  me  go  home 
ugain?" 


TRAPPING     A    SPY.  323 

The  Provost  Marshal  himself  came  in  during  the 
day,  and  I  had  my  document  ready  informing  him 
what  time  we  would  start  and  what  direction  we 
were  to  take. 

The  night  came,  and  we  started  about  nine 
o'clock.  As  we  walked  along  toward  the  rebel 
lines  the  spy  seemed  to  think  that  I  was  a  true 
patriot  in  the  rebel  cause,  for  he  entertained  me 
with  a  long  conversation  concerning  his  exploits 
in  the  secret  service ;  and  of  the  other  two  who 
were  still  in  camp  he  said  one  of  them  was  a  sut 
ler,  and  the  other  sold  photographs  of  our 
generals. 

We  were  pursuing  our  way  in  the  darkness, 
talking  in  a  low,  confidential  tone,  when  suddenly 
a  number  of  cavalry  dashed  upon  us  and  took  us 
both  prisoners.  As  soon  as  we  were  captured  we 
were  searched,  and  documents  found  on  my 
companion  which  condemned  him  as  a  spy.  We 
were  then  marched  back  to  Louisville  and  put 
under  guard.  The  next  morning  he  was  taken 
care  of,  and  I  was  sent  to  General  M.'s  head 
quarters. 

The  next  thing  to  be  done  was  to  find  the  other 
two  spies.  The  sutler  was  found  and  put  under 
arrest,  and  his  goods  confiscated,  but  the  dealer  in 
photographs  had  made  his  escape. 

I  never  dared  go  back  to  Louisville  again,  for  I 
had  ample  reason  to  believe  that  my  life  would 
pay  the  penalty  if  I  did. 


324  PRO-SLAVERY    TROOPS. 

About  this  time  the  Ninth  Army  Corps  was 
ordered  to  Vicksburg,  where  General  Grant  had 
already  commenced  his  siege.  While  the  troops 
waited  at  the  depot  for  transportation  a  little  inci 
dent  occurred  which  illustrates  the  spirit  of  the 
Kentucky  soldiers  on  the  slavery  question. 

Two  of  our  Kentucky  regiments  were  stationed 
as  guards  at  the  depot,  and  on  this  occasion  were 
amusing  themselves  by  throwing  stones  at  every 
poor  negro  who  had  occasion  to  pass  within  a 
stone's  throw  of  them. 

A  Michigan  regiment  marched  into  the  depot 
on  its  way  to  Vicksburg,  and  along  with  it  some 
smart,  saucy  darkies,  in  the  capacity  of  servants. 
The  native  soldiers  began  the  same  game  with 
them,  by  throwing  stones  at  and  abusing  them ; 
but  the  Michigan  men  informed  them  that  "if 
they  did  not  stop  that  kind  of  business  immediate 
ly  they  would  find  more  work  on  hand  than  they 
could  attend  to,"  as  they  considered  their  servants 
a  necessary  part  of  their  regiment,  and  would  not 
permit  them  to  be  abused  or  insulted  any  more 
than  if  they  were  white  men. 

This  gave  rise  to  a  warm  discussion  between  the 
troops,  and  ended  in  the  Kentuckians  forbidding 
and  prohibiting  the  different  regiments  from  taking 
a  negro  with  them  from  the  State  under  any  cir 
cumstances.  Of  course  this  incensed  our  patriotic 
troops,  and  in  five  minutes  they  were  in  line  of 
battle  arrayed  against  their  pro-slavery  brethren 


CRUELTY    TO     NEGROES.  325 

in  arms.  But  before  blood  was  shed  the  com 
mander  of  the  post  was  informed,  and  hastened  to 
the  spot  to  prevent  further  mischief.  When  the 
case  was  fully  made  known  to  him  he  could  not 
settle  the  matter,  for  he  was  a  Kentuckian  by 
birth,  and  his  sympathies  were  with  the  native 
troops — yet  he  knew  if  he  should  decide  in  their 
favor  that  a  bloody  fight  would  be  the  conse 
quence,  as  the  troops  still  remained  in  line  of  bat 
tle  awaiting  the  decision  of  the  commander.  He 
finally  told  them  that  they  must  remain  there  un 
til  he  telegraphed  to  the  headquarters  of  the  de 
partment  and  received  an  answer.  Consequently 
the  troops  were  detained  two  days  waiting  for  the 
despatch  that  would  decide  the  contest.  The  men 
became  tired  of  the  fun  and  marched  back  to 
camp. 

In  consequence  of  this  affair  the  poor  negroes 
fared  worse  than  ever,  and  the  troops  had  no 
sooner  gone  back  to  camp  than  the  Kentuckians 
swore  they  would  hang  every  "  nigger  "  that  came 
into  their  camp. 

During  the  day  I  was  passing  through  the  de* 
pot,  and  saw  a  little  black  urchin  selling  cakes  and 
pies,  who  had  no  sooner  made  his  appearance  than 
the  guards  took  his  basket  away  from  him.  The 
boy  commenced  to  cry,  when  four  of  the  soldiers 
took  hold  of  him,  each  one  taking  hold  of  a  hand 
or  foot,  and  pulled  him  almost  limb  from  limb — 
just  as  I  have  seen  cruel  schoolboys  torture  frogs. 


326  PATIENT     SUFFERING. 

When  they  threw  him  on  the  ground  he  could 
neither  speak,  cry,  nor  walk,  but  there  he  lay  a 
little  quivering,  convulsive  heap  of  pain  and 
misery. 

The  telegram  came  at  last,  and  the  troops  were 
permitted  to  depart  in  peace — taking  with  them 
their  colored  friends,  to  the  chagrin  of  the  Ken 
tucky  guards. 

Before  reaching  Vieksburg  I  visited  several 
hospitals  where  the  wounded  had  been  brought 
from  those  terrible  battles  preceding  the  siege  of 
Vieksburg,  where  thousands  lay,  with  all  conceiva 
ble  sorts  of  wounds. 

Several  I  saw  without  either  arms  or  legs,  hav 
ing  been  torn  and  mangled  by  shell  so  that  it  was 
impossible  to  save  even  a  single  limb — and  yet 
they  lived,  and  would  probably  recover. 

One  handsome  young  man  lay  on  one  of  the 
hospital  boats  who  had  lost  both  arms — a  most 
noble  specimen  of  the  patient,  cheerful,  suffering 
soldier. 

Of  this  young  man  the  Rev.  Mr.  Savage  writes : 
u  There  he  lay  upon  his  cot,  armless,  and  knowing 
that  this  must  be  his  condition  through  life ;  but 
yet  with  a  cheerful,  happy  countenance,  and  not  a 
single  word  of  complaint.  I  ministered  to  his 
wants,  and  as  I  cut  up  fruit  in  mouthfuls,  and  put 
them  in  his  mouth,  he  would  say,  c  Well,  now,  how 
good  that  is !  How  kind  of  you !  The  Lord  will 
bless  you  for  it.  I  don't  see  why  you  are  so  kind 


TRIUMPHANT    DEATH.  327 

to  me.  As  if  any  one  could  be  too  kind  to  a  man 
who  had  suffered  such  a  loss  in  defense  of  his 
country.  His  soul  seemed  to  be  resting  peacefully 
upon  Jesus  amid'  all  his  great  sufferings.  One 
thing  touched  me  exceedingly :  As  I  spoke  of  his 
feelings,  the  tears  coursed  down  his  cheeks  and 
lay  upon  them.  He  had  no  hands  with  which 
even  to  wipe  away  the  tears  from  his  own  face ; 
and  as  I  took  a  handkerchief  and  tenderly  per 
formed  this  office,  that  beautiful  passage  of  scrip 
ture  occurred  to  me  with  a  force  it  never  did  be 
fore  :  "'  and  God  shall  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  eyes.' ' 

Near  by  lay  another  young  man,  an  officer,  mor 
tally  wpunded — fast  breathing  his  life  away — he 
seemed  unconscious  of  his  dying  state.  I  asked 
the  nurse,  in  a  low  whisper,  if  he  knew  he  was 
dying,  but  before  the  nurse  could  reply,  he  looked 
up  with  a  smile,  and  said:  u  Yes,  yes,  I  know  it. 
Praise  God!  there  is  not  a  cloud  between  my  soul 

and    Jesus.     I    am   waiting  —  I  —  waiting -." 

These  were  his  last  words.  A  few  moments  more 
and  his  tongue  was  silent  in  death. 

But  he 's  gone  to  rest  in  heaven  above, 
To  sing  his  Saviour's  praise. 

One  of  the  military  agents  at  Nashville  relates 
a  most  thrilling  incident,  which  he  witnessed  in  a 
hospital  at  that  place.  He  says : 

"  Last  evening,  when  passing  by  the  post  hos 
pital,  my  attention  was  arrested  by  the  singing,  in 


328  RALLY    ROUND    THE    FLAG. 

rather  a  loud  voice,  of  c  Rally  round  the  flag,  boys,' 
by  one  of  the  patients  inside.  While  listening  to 
the  beautiful  music  of  that  popular  song,  I  ob 
served  to  a  nurse  standing  in  the  door-way,  that 
the  person  singing  must  be  in  a  very  merry  mood, 
and  could  not  be  very  sick.  '  You  are  mistaken, 
sir,'  said  he ;  '  the  poor  fellow  engaged  in  singing 
that  good  old  song  is  now  grappling  with  death — 
has  been  dying  all  day.  I  am  his  nurse,'  he  con 
tinued,  '  and  the  scene  so  affected  me  that  I  was 
obliged  to  leave  the  room.  He  is  just  about 
breathing  his  last.' 

UI  stepped  into  the  ward,  and  true  enough,  the 
brave  man  was  near  his  end.  His  eyes  were  al 
ready  fixed  in  death.  He  was  struggling  with  all 
his  remaining  strength  against  the  grim  monster, 
while  at  the  same  time  there  gushed  forth  from 
his  patriotic  soul  incoherently  the  words :  '  Rally 
round  the  flag,  boys,'  which  had  so  often  cheered 
him  through  his  weary  mar/ch,  and  braced  him  up 
when  entering  the  field  of  blood  in  defense  of  tis 
country.  Finally  he  sank  away  into  his  death- 
slumber,  and  joined  his  Maker's  command,  that  is 
marching  onward  to  that  far-off,  better  land.  The 
last  audible  sound  that  escaped  his  lips  was,  '  Rally 
boys,  rally  once  again ! '  As  his  eyes  were  closing, 
some  dozen  of  his  comrades  joined  in  a  solemn, 
yet  beautiful  hymn,  appropriate  to  the  occasion. 
Take  it  altogether,  this  was  one  of  the  most  affect 
ing  scenes  I  have  ever  witnessed  in  a  hospital.  It 


PRAYER    IN    BATTLE.  329 

drew  tears  copiously  from  near  one  hundred  of 
us.  It  occurred  in  the  large  ward  which  occupies 
the  entire  body  of  the  church  on  Cherry  street. 
The  deceased  was  an  Illinoisan,  and  had  been 
wounded  in  one  of  the  recent  skirmishes." 

I  noticed  in  the  Western  department  that  the 
chaplains  were  much  more  faithful  to  their  trust, 
and  attentive  to  the  sick  and  wounded,  than  the 
chaplains  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac — taking 
them  as  a  class. 

One  man  in  speaking  of  his  chaplain,  said :  "He 
is  one  of  the  best  men  in  the  world ;  he  has  a 
temperance  meeting  once  a  week,  a  prayer  meet 
ing  twice  a  week,  and  other  meetings  as  he 
is  able  to  hold  them ;  and  then  he  labors  person 
ally  among  the  men.  He  also  comforts  the  sick 
and  dying.  I  saw  him  with  one  of  our  comrades 
before  he  died,  watching  and  praying  with  him ; 
and  when  he  died,  he  closed  his  eyes  and  prepared 
him  for  the  grave  with  his  own  hands." 

Another  said :  "  Over  at  Frederickstown,  as  our 
lines  were  beginning  to  give  way,  and  many 
thought  the  day  was  lost,  our  chaplain  stepped 
right  out  from  the  ranks,  between  us  and  the  ene 
my's  lines,  knelt  down  upon  the  ground,  and  lifted 
up  his  voice  in  most  earnest  prayer  to  God  for  di 
vine  help  in  that  hour  of  need.  I  never  felt  so  in 
all  my  life  as  I  did  at  that  moment.  An  inspira 
tion,  as  from  God,  seemed  to  seize  us  all ;  we  ral 
lied,  charged,  drove  the  enemy  before  us,  and 


330  CARRYING    THE    WOUNDED. 

gained  the  important  victory  at  Frederickstown, 
which  perhaps  has  saved  to  us  the  State  of  Mis 
sissippi." 

And  yet  another  soldier  gave  testimony  like  the 
following,  with  regard  to  a  chaplain  who  had 
followed  his  regiment  through  every  battle  in 
which  it  had  participated.  Said  he :  u  He  was 
with  us  day  after  day,  and  as  soon  as  a  man  fell 
wounded,  he  would  take  him  up  in  his  arms  and 
carry  him  out  where  the  surgeon  could  take  care 
of  him ;  and  the  last  day  I  saw  him,  his  clothes, 
from  head  to  foot,  were  literally  dripping  with  the 
blood  of  dead  and  wounded  men  that  he  had  car 
ried  from  the  battle-field." 

This  noble  chaplain  reminds  me  of  a  brave  sol 
dier  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  who  was  in  the 
hottest  of  the  battle  at  Aritietam,  where  the  bul 
lets  were  sweeping  like  death-hail  through  the 
ranks.  The  line  wavered;  there  were  strong 
symptoms  of  falling  back  on  the  part  of  his  regi 
ment.  This  man  rushed  toward  the  color-bearer, 
who  stood  hesitating,  seized  the  standard  and  ad 
vanced  with  firm  and  rapid  step  several  paces  in 
front  of  the  foremost  man ;  then  thrusting  down 
the  flag-staff  into  the  ground  he  looked  up  at  the 
banner,  then  at  the  wavering  line,  and  said — 
"  There,  boys,  come  up  to  that !  " 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

A    UNIONIST    FROM    THE    REBEL    ARMY HIS    TESTIMONY SOUTH 
ERN     HOSPITALS PATRIOTISM FEMALE     RECRUITING CRINO- 

LINE — "SWEET  LITTLE  MAN" — CONFEDERATE  SYSTEM — NORTH 

AND      SOUTH      CONTRASTED REBEL      IMPRESSMENT BROTHERS* 

CRUELTY DYING     FOR     THE     UNION FATE     OF     A    TENNESSEE 

PATRIOT ON     THE      MISSISSIPPI INVISIBLE     ATTRACTION AN 

IMPORTANT    QUESTION MORAL     SUBLIMITY CONTRABAND^   JU 
BILEE. 

AT  one  of  the  hospitals  near  Vicksburg  I  met  a 
man  who  had  served  a  year  in  the  Confed 
erate  army,  having  been  conscripted  by  the  rebels, 
and  remained  that  length  of  time  before  he  found 
an  opportunity  to  escape. 

He  was  an  educated,  and  highly  intelligent 
young  man,  and  it  was  deeply  interesting  to  listen 
to  his  account  of  the  Southern  side  of  this  rebel 
lion.  He  told  me  that  the  Southern  people,  and 
especially  the  ladies,  were  much  more  patriotic 
than  the  people  of  the  North. 

After  a  battle,  the  citizens,  both  men  and  wo 
men,  come  with  one  accord  to  assist  in  taking  care 
of  the  wounded ;  bringing  with  them,  gratui 
tously,  every  article  of  comfort  and  convenience 
that  their  means  will  admit,  and  their  patriotism 
suggest. 

Farmers  come  t6  the  hospitals  with  loads  of  pro- 


332  CRINOLINE. 

visions,  and  the  women  come  with  fruits,  wines, 
jellies,  etc.,  and  cheerfully  submit  to  the  hardships 
and  fatigue  of  hospital  labor  without  the  slightest 
remuneration.  Said  he :  "  The  women  down  South 
are  the  best  recruiting  officers — for  they  absolutely 
refuse  to  tolerate,  or  admit  to  their  society,  any 
young  man  who  refuses  to  enlist ;  and  very  often 
send  their  lovers,  who  have  not  enlisted,  skirts  and 
crinoline,  with  a  note  attached,  suggesting  the  ap 
propriateness  of  such  a  costume  unless  they  donned 
the  Confederate  uniform  at  once." 

I  have  often  thought  of  this  trait  of  the  South 
ern  ladies'  character,  and  contrasted  it  with  the 
flattering  receptions  so  lavishly  bestowed  upon 
our  able-bodied  "home  guards,"  by  the  New-Eng 
land  fair  ones  who  profess  to  love  the  old  flag  and 
despise  its  enemies.  And  I  have  wondered  if  an 
extensive  donation  of  "crinoline"  would  not  be 
more  effectual  in  filling  up  our  ranks,  than  grace 
ful  bows  and  bewitching  smiles.  And  I  would 
mildly  suggest  that  each  package  of  crinoline  be 
accompanied  by  the  following  appropriate  lines : 

Now,  while  our  soldiers  are  fighting  our  battles, 

Each  at  his  post  to  do  all  that  he  can, 
Down  among  rebels  and  cpntraband  chattels, 

What  are  you  doing,  my  sweet  little  man  ? 

All  the  brave  boys  under  canvas  are  sleeping, 
All  of  them  pressing  to  march  with  the  van, 

Far  from  their  homes  where  their  sweethearts  are  weeping ; 
What  are  you  waiting  for,  sweet  little  man  ? 

You,  with  the  terrible  warlike  mustaches, 
Fit  for  a  colonel  or  chief  of  a  clan, 


CONFEDERATE     SYSTEM.  333 

You  with  the  waist  made  for  sword-belts  and  sashes, 
Where  are  your  shoulder-straps,  sweet  little  mau? 

We  send  you  the  buttouless  garments  of  woman ! 

Cover  your  face  lest  it  freckle  or  tan ; 
Muster  the  apron-string  guards  on  the  common — 

That  is  the  corps  for  the  sweet  little  man. 

All  the  fair  maidens  about  him  shall  cluster, 
Pluck  the  white  feathers  from  bonnet  and  fan, 

Make  him  a  plume  like  a  turkey-wing  duster — 
That  is  the  crest  for  the  sweet  little  man. 

Give  him  for  escort  a  file  of  young  misses, 

Each  of  them  armed  with  a  deadly  rattan, 
They  shall  defend  him  from  laughter  and  hisses 

Aimed  by  low  boys  at  the  sweet  little  man. 

And  now,  while  I  am  contrasting  the  conduct 
of  the  North  and  South,  I  may  as  well  give  an 
other  testimony  in  favor  of  the  confederate  system. 

The  following  testimony  comes  from  one  who 
has  served  in  the  rebel  army  in  the  capacity  of 
surgeon.  He  says:  u  The  confederate  military  au 
thorities  have  complete  control  of  the  press,  so 
that  nothing  is  ever  allowed  to  appear  in  print 
which  can  in  any  way  give  information  to  the 
North  or  prove  a  clue  to  Southern  movements.  In 
this  it  appears  to  me  that  they  have  an  unspeaka 
ble  advantage  over  the  North,  with  its  numberless 
papers  and  hundreds  of  correspondents  in  the 
loyal  army.  With  what  the  correspondents  tell 
and  surmise,  and  what  the  Confederates  find  out 
through  spies  and  informers  of  various  kinds,  they 
are  able  to  see  through  many  of  the  plans  of  the 
Union  forces  before  they  are  put  into  execution. 


334  NORTH    AND    SOUTH. 

No  more  common  remark  did  I  hear  than  this  as 
officers  were  reading  the  Northern  papers :  c  See 
what  d — d  fools  those  Yankees  are.  General 

A-  -  has  left  B-  -  for  C .  We  will  cut 

him  off.  Why  the  Northern  generals  or  the  Sec 
retary  of  War  tolerate  this  freedom  of  news  we 
cannot  imagine.' ' 

And  he  further  adds:  "Every  daily  paper  I 
have  read  since  I  came  North  has  contained  in 
formation,  either  by  direct  statement  or  implica 
tion,  by  which  the  enemy  can  profit.  If  we  meant 
to  play  into  the  hands  of  the  rebels,  we  could 
hardly  do  it  more  successfully  than  our  papers  are 
doing  it  daily.  Sure  am  I  that  if  a  Southern  pa 
per  contained  such  information  of  their  movements 
as  do  the  Northern  of  ours,  the  editor's  neck  would 
not  be  safe  an  hour.  But  some  will  say :  '  We 
often  see  information  quoted  from  the  Southern 
papers  of  their,  movements.'  Never,  until  the 
movement  has  been  carried  out.  It  is  always  safe 
to  conclude,  if  you  see  in  a  Southern  paper  any 
statement  with  regard  to  the  movement  of  troops, 
or  tb at  the  army  is  about  to  do  a  certain  thing, 
that  it  will  not  be  done,  but  something  different." 

Freedom  of  opinion  and  of  the  press  is  certainly 
a  precious  boon,  but  when  it  endangers  the  Jives 
of  our  soldiers  and  frustrates  the  plans  of  our  Gov 
ernment,  surely  it  is  time  to  adopt  measures  to 
control  it,  just  as  much  as  it  is  necessary  to  arrest 
the  spies  who  come  within  our  lines. 


REBEL    IMPRESSMENT.  335 

Another  relates  the  following  touching  incident 
of  the  Southern  style  of  increasing  their  army,  and 
punishing  offenders :  "  When  the  rebels  were 
raising  a  force  in  Eastern  Tennessee,  two  brothers 
by  the  name  of  Rowland  volunteered.  A  younger 
brother  was  a  Union  man,  and  refusing  to  enlist, 
was  seized  and  forced  into  the  army.  He  con 
stantly  protested  against  his  impressment,  but 
without  avail.  He  then  warned  them  that  he 
would  desert  the  first  opportunity,  as  he  would 
not  fight  against  the  cause  of  right  and  good  gov 
ernment.  They  were  inexorable,  and  he  was  torn 
from  his  family  and  hurried  to  the  field.  At  the 
battle  of  Fort  Donaldson,  Rowland  escaped  from 
the  rebels  in  the  second  day's  fight,  and  immedi 
ately  joined  the  loyal  army.  Though  now  to  fight 
against  his  own  brothers,  he  felt  that  he  was  in  a 
righteous  cause,  and  contending  for  a  worthy  end. 
In  the  battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing  he  was  taken 
prisoner  by  the  very  regiment  to  which  he  had 
formerly  belonged.  This  sealed  his  fate.  On  his 
way  to  Corinth  several  of  his  old  comrades,  among 
them  his  two  brothers,  attempted  to  kill  him,  one 
of  them  nearly  running  him  through  with  a  bayo 
net.  He  was,  however,  rescued  by  the  guard, 
and  brought  to  camp.  Three  days  after  the  re 
treating  army  had  reached  Corinth,  General  Har- 
dee,  in  whose  division  was  the  regiment  claiming 
this  man  as  a  deserter,  gave  orders  to  have  Row 
land  executed.  About  four  o'clock  in  the  after- 


336  DYING    FOR    THE    UNION. 

noon,  the  same  day,  some  ten  thousand  Tennessee 
troops  were  drawn  up  in  two  parallel  lines,  facing 
inward,  three  hundred  yards  apart.  The  doomed 
man,  surrounded  by  the  guard,  detailed  from  his 
own  regiment  to  shoot  him,  marched  with  a  firm 
step  into  the  middle  of  the  space  between  the  two 
lines  of  troops.  Here  his  grave  was  already  dug, 
and  a  black  pine  coffin  lay  beside  it.  No  minister 
of  religion  offered  to  direct  his  thoughts  to  a  gra 
cious  Saviour.  The  sentence  was  read,  and  he 
was  asked  if  he  had  anything  to  say  why  it  should 
not  be  executed.  He  spoke  in  a  firm,  decided 
tone,  in  a  voice  which  could  be  heard  by  many 
hundreds,  and  nearly  in  the  following  words : 
1  Fellow-soldiers,  Tennesseeans — I  was  forced  into 
Southern  service  against  my  will,  and  against  my 
conscience.  I  told  them  I  would  desert  the  first 
opportunity  I  found,  and  I  did  it.  I  was  always 
a  Union  man,  and  never  denied  it ;  and  I  joined 
the  Union  army  to  do  all  the  damage  I  could  to 
the  Confederates.  I  believe  the  Union  cause  is 
right,  and  will  triumph.  They  can  kill  me  but 
once,  and  I  am  not  afraid  to  die  in  a  good  cause. 
My  only  request  is,  that  you  let  my  wife  and  fam 
ily  know  that  I  died  in  supporting  my  principles. 
My  brothers  there  would  shoot  me  if  they  had  a 
chance,  but  I  forgive  them.  Now  shoot  me  through 
the  heart,  that  I  may  die  instantly.' 

"  After  Rowland  had  ceased  to  speak,  he  took  off 
hat,  coat  and  neck-tie,  and  laying  his  hand  on  his 


SOUTHERN"    EXECUTION.  337 

heart,  lie  said,  "Aim  here."  The  sergeant  of  the 
guard  advanced  to  tie  his  hands  and  blindfold 
him.  He  asked  the  privilege  of  standing  untied, 
but  the  request  was  not  granted.  His  eyes  were 
bandaged,  he  knelt  upon  his  coffin  and  engaged 
in  prayer  for  several  minutes,  and  then  said  he 
was  ready.  The  lieutenant  of  the  guard  then  gave 
the  word,  '  Fire  !  '  and  twenty-four  muskets  were 
discharged.  When  the  smoke  lifted,  the  body  had 
fallen  backward,  and  was  still.  Several  bullets 
had  passed  through  his  head,  and  some  through 
his  heart.  His  body  was  tumbled  into  the  rough 
pine  box,  and  was  buried  by  the  men  who  shot 
him." 

Such  was  the  fate  of  a  Tennessee  patriot,  who 
was  not  afraid  to  declare  his  love  for  the  Union, 
and  his  faith  in  its  final  triumph,  in  the  very  pres 
ence  of  some  of  the  leading  traitors,  and  of  thou 
sands  of  his  rebellious  countrymen,  a  moment 
before  sealing  his  patriotism  with  his  blood. 

On  board  of  a  transport,  on  the  Mississippi  river, 
as  we  glided  toward  our  destination,  I  sat  quietly 
listening  to  the  variety  of  topics  which  was  being 
discussed  around  me,  until  a  peculiarly  sweet  voice 
caused  me  to  turn  and  look  in  the  direction  from 
whence  it  proceeded. 

Header,  has  your  heart  ever  been  taken  by 
storm,  in  consequence  of  the  mere  intonations  of 
a  voice— ere  you  beheld  the  individual  who  gave 
them  utterance  ?  On  this  occasion,  I  turned  and 


338  INVISIBLE    ATTRACTION. 

saw  "one  of  God's  images  cut  in  ebony."  Time 
had  wrinkled  his  face,  and  the  frosts  of  four-score 
winters  had  whitened  his  woolly  locks,  palsied  his 
limbs,  and  dimmed  his  vision.  He  had  been  a 
slave  all  his  life,  and  now,  at  the  eleventh  hour, 
when  "  the  silver  cord  was  almost  loosed,  and  the 
golden  bowl  well  nigh  broken,"  he  was  liberated 
from  bondage,  and  was  rejoicing  in  freedom  from 
slavery,  and  in  that  freedom  wherewith  Christ 
makes  His  children  free. 

By  some  invisible  attraction,  a  large  crowd  gath 
ered  around  this  old,  decrepid  slave,  and  every 
eye  was  fixed  upon  his  sable  withered  face,  as  he 
gave  a  brief  and  touching  history  of  his  slave  life. 

When  he  had  finished,  the  soldiers  eagerly  began 
to  ask  questions — but  suddenly  the  old  colored 
man  turned  querist,  and  raising  himself  up,  and 
leaning  forward  toward  the  crowd,  he  asked,  in  a 
voice  strangely  thrilling  and  solemn,  uAre  any  of 
you  soldiers  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?  " 

One  looked  at  another  -with  evident  embarrass 
ment  ;  but  at  length  some  one  stammered  out — 
44  We  don't  know  exactly ;  that  is  a  hard  question, 
Uncle."  "Oh  no,"  said  he,  "dat  is  not  a  hard 
question — if  you  be  soldiers  of  Christ  you  know  it, 
you  must  know  it ;  de  Lord  does  not  do  His  work 
so  poorly  dat  His  people  don't  know  when  it 's 
done.  Now  jes'  let  me  say  a  word  more :  Dear 
soldiers — before  eber  you  lebe  dis  boat — before 
eber  you  go  into  anoder  battle — enlist  for  Jesus ; 


MORAL    SUBLIMITY.  339 

become  soldiers  ob  de  blessed  Redeemer,  and  you 
are  safe ;  safe  when  de  battle  rages,  safe  when  de 
chills  ob  death  come,  safe  when  de  world  's  on 
fire." 

One  of  the  men,  desirous  of  changing  the  con 
versation,  said :  u  Uncle,  are  you  blind  ?  "  He  re 
plied:  "Oh  no,  bless  de  Lord,  I  am  not  blind  to 
de  tings  ob  de  spirit.  I  see  by  an  eye  ob  faith 
my  blessed  Saviour  sitting  at  de  right  hand  ob 
God,  and  I'll  soon  see  Him  more  clearly,  for  Jesus 
loves  dis  old  blind  darkie,  and  will  soon  take  him 
home." 

Now,  when  we  talk  of  moral  sublimity  we  are 
apt  to  point  to  Alexander  conquering  the  world, 
to  Hannibal  surmounting  the  Alps,  to  Caesar  cross 
ing  the  Rubicon,  or  to  Lawrence  wrapping  him 
self  in  the  American  flag  and  crying  "Don't  give 
up  the  ship !  "  But  in  my  opinion  here  was  a 
specimen  of  moral  sublimity  equal  to  anything 
that  ever  graced  the  pages  of  history  or  was  ever 
exhibited  upon  a  battle-field— a  poor  old,  blind, 
palsied  slave,  resting  upon  the  "  Rock  of  Ages/' 
while  the  waves  of  affliction  dashed  like  mountains 
at  his  feet ;  yet,  looking  up  to  heaven,  and  trust 
ing  in  the  great  and  precious  promises,  he  gave 
glory  to  God,  and  triumphed  over  pain  and  dis 
ease,  rejoicing  even  in  tribulation. 

While  the  old  slave  was  talking  to  the  soldiers 
a  number  of  young  darkies  came  forward,  and 
when  the  conversation  ceased  they  all  struck  up 


340  CONTRABAND     JUBILEE. 

the  following  piece,  and  sang  it  with  good  effect  : 

Oh,  praise  an'  tanks  !     De  Lord  he  come 

To  set  de  people  free  ; 
An'  massa  tink  it  day  ob  doom, 

An'  we  ob  jubilee. 
De  Lord  dat  heap  de  Red  Sea  waves, 

He  jes'  as  strong  as  den  ; 
He  say  de  word  —  we  las'  night  slaves, 
To-day  de  Lord's  free  men. 

CHORUS  —  De  yam  will  grow,  de  cotton  blow, 

We'll  hab  de  rice  an'  corn, 
0  nebber  you  fear  if  nebber  you  hear 
De  driber  blow  his  horn. 

Ole  massa  on  his  trabbles  gone 

He  lebe  de  land  behind  ; 
De  Lord's  breff  blow  him  furder  on, 

Like  corn-shuck  in  de  wind. 
We  own  de  hoe,  we  own  de  plow, 

We  own  de  hands  dat  hold; 
We  sell  de  pig,  we  sell  de  cow, 

But  neber  chile  be  sold. 

CHORUS  —  De  yam  will  grow,  etc, 

We  know  de  promise  nebber  fail, 

An'  nebber  lie  de  Word  ; 
So,  like  de  'postles  in  de  jail, 

We  waited  for  de  Lord. 
An'  now  He  open  ebery  door, 

An'  trow  away  de  key, 
He  tink  we  lub  Him  so  before, 

We  lub  Him  better  free. 

CHORUS  —  De  yam  will  grow,  etc. 

Then  a  collection  was  taken  up  among  the  sol 
diers  and  presented  to  the  old  blind  colored  man, 
who  wept  with  delight  as  he  received  it,  for  said 
he  _  «  I  hab  no  home,  no  money,  an'  no  friend, 
de  Lord  Jesus. 


" 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

ARRIVAL    AT  VICKSBURG ITS    SURROUNDINGS GRA^l's   ARMY- 
ASSAULT  ON    THE    REBEL  WORKS THE    SEVEN    COLOR-BEARERS 

— PEMBERTON'S  HARANGUE — IN  THE  TRENCHES — SUFFERINGS 

OP    THE  WOUNDED PEMBERTON's    PROPOSED    CAPITULATION 

GRANT'S  REPLY— TERMS  OF  SURRENDER— OCCUPATION  OF  THE 

CITY— LOSS      OF      THE       ENEMY COMPLIMENTARY      LETTER 

GRANT'S   SUCCESS— ATTACHMENT  OF  HIS  SOLDIERS— "  FIGHT 
ING     DICK" GOLD      LACE REBEL      SUFFERINGS — SIGHTS     IN 

VICKSBURG— INCIDENTS    OF    THE    SIEGE— CAVE    LIFE. 

OUR  troops  at  length  joined  General  Grant's 
army  near  Yicksburg,  where  those  veterans 
had  been  digging  and  fighting  so  many  weeks. 

The  city  of  Vicksburg  is  nestled  among  numer 
ous  terraced  hills,  and  would  under  other  circum 
stances  present  a  magnificent  and  romantic  ap 
pearance  ;  but  I  could  not  at  that  time  realize  its 
beauty,  for  the  knowledge  of  the  sufferings  and 
distress  of  thousands  within  its  walls  detracted 
materially  from  its  outward  grandeur. 

The  enemy's  works  had  consisted  of  a  series  of 
redoubts  extending  from  Haines'  Bluff  to  the  War- 
renton  road,  a  distance  of  some  ten  miles.  It  was 
a  vast  plateau,  upon  which  a  multitude  of  little 
hills  seemed  to  have  been  sown  broadcast,  giving 
the  enemy  a  position  from  which  it  could  sweep 


342    PEMBEBTON'S  HARANGUE. 

every  neighboring  crest  and  enfilade  every  ap 
proach.  But  the  rebels  had  already  been  driven 
from  this  position  after  a  severe  struggle. 

On  the  twenty -second  of  May,  at  two  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  heavy  guns  were  opened  upon  the 
rebel  works,  and  continued  until  ten  o'clock,  when 
a  desperate  assault  was  made  by  three  corps  mov 
ing  simultaneously.  After  a  severe  engagement 
and  heavy  loss  the  flag  of  the  Seventh  Missouri 
was  planted  on  one  of  the  rebel  parapets,  after 
seven  color-bearers  had  been  shot  down. 

After  this  contest  the  rebel  general,  Pemberton, 
addressed  his  men  as  follows :  u  You  have  heard 
that  I  was  incompetent  and  a  traitor,  and  that  it 
was  my  intention  to  sell  Yicksburg.  Follow  me, 
and  you  will  see  the  cost  at  which  I  will  sell  Yicks 
burg.  When  the  last  pound  of  beef,  bacon  and 
flour,  the  last  grain  of  corn,  the  last  cow  and  hog, 
horse  and  dog  shall  have  been  consumed,  and  the 
last  man  shall  have  perished  in  the  trenches,  then, 
and  not  till  then,  will  I  sell  Yicksburg." 

It  became  evident  that  the  works  could  not  be 
carried  by  assault,  and  that  nothing  but  a  regular 
siege  could  reduce  the  fortifications. 

While  the  sige  was  in  progress  our  soldiers  en 
dured  hardships,  privations  and  sufferings  which 
•words  can  but  inadequately  express.  Our  men 
were  closely  packed  in  the  trenches,  often  in  water 
to  the  knees,  and  not  daring  to  lift  their  heads 
above  the  brow  of  the  rifle  pits,  as  the  rebel  sharp- 


PEMBERTON'S  PROPOSAL.    343 

shooters  lost  no  time  in  saluting  every  unfortunate 
head  which  made  its  appearance  above  ground. 

The  sufferings  of  the  wounded  were  extreme. 
Those  who  were  wounded  during  the  day  in  the 
trenches  nearest  the  city  could  not  be  removed 
until  the  curtain  of  night  fell  upon  the  scene  and 
screened  them  from  the  vigilant  eye  of  the  enemy. 

General  Grant  steadily  approached  the  doomed 
city  by  means  of  saps  and  mines,  and  continued  to 
blow  up  their  defenses,  until  it  was  evident  that 
another  day's  work  would  complete  the  capture  of 
the  city. 

Such  was  the  position  of  affairs  on  the  third  of 
July,  when  General  Pemberton  proposed  an  ar 
mistice  and  capitulation. 

Major  General  Bo  wen,  of  the  Confederate  army, 
was  the  bearer  of  a  despatch  to  General  Grant, 
under  a  flag  of  truce,  proposing  the  surrender  of 
the  city,  which  was  as  follows : 

HEADQUARTERS,  VICKSBURG, 

July  3d,  1863. 
Major  General  Grant,  commanding  United  States 

forces: 

GENERAL — I  have  the  honor  to  propose  to  you 
an  armistice  for  —  hours,  with  a  view  of  arranging 
terms  for  the  capitulation  of  Yicksburg.  To  this 
end,  if  agreeable  to  you,  I  will  appoint  three 
commissioners  to  meet  a  like  number  to  be  named 
by  yourself,  at  such  place  and  hour  to-day  as  you 
may  find  convenient.  I  make  this  proposition  to 


344  GRANT'S    REPLY. 

save  the  further  effusion  of  blood,  which  must 
otherwise  be  shed  to  a  frightful  extent,  feeling 
myself  fully  able  to  maintain  my  position  for  a  yet 
indefinite  period.  This  communication  will  be 
handed  to  you,  under  flag  of  truce,  by  Major  Gen 
eral  James  Bowen. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  C.  PEMBERTON. 
To  which  General  Grant  replied : 
HEADQUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  TENNESSEE, 
In  the  Field,  near  Vicksburg, 
July  3c?,  1863. 

Lieutenant  General  J.  C.  Pemberton,  commanding 
Confederate  forces,  etc. : 

GENERAL — Your  note  of  this  date,  just  received, 
proposes  an  armistice  of  several  hours  for  the  pur 
pose  of  arranging  terms  of  capitulation,  through 
commissioners  to  be  appointed,  etc.  The  effusion 
of  blood  you  propose  stopping  by  this  course  can 
be  ended  at  any  time  you  may  choose  by  an  un 
conditional  surrender  of  the  city  and  garrison. 
Men  who  have  shown  so  much  endurance  and 
courage  as  those  now  in  Yicksburg  will  always 
challenge  the  respect  of  an  adversary,  and,  I  can 
assure  you,  will  be  treated  with  all  the  respect  due 
them  as  prisoners  of  war.  I  do  not  favor  the 
proposition  of  appointing  commissioners  to  arrange 
terms  of  capitulation,  because  I  have  no  other 
terms  than  those  indicated  above. 


TERMS    OF    SURRENDER.  345 

I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient 
servant, 

U.  S.  GRANT. 

Then  the  following  document  was  made  out  by 
General  Grant,  and  submitted  for  acceptance : 

GENERAL — In  conformity  with  the  agreement  of 
this  afternoon,  I  will  submit  the  following  propo 
sition  for  the  surrender  of  the  city  of  Yicksburg, 
public  stores,  etc.  On  your  accepting  the  terms 
proposed,  I  will  march  in  one  division,  as  a  guard, 
and  take  possession  at  eight  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning.  As  soon  as  paroles  can  be  made  out 
and  signed  by  the  officers  and  men,  you  will  be 
allowed  to  march  out  of  our  lines,  the  officers 
taking  with  them  their  regimental  clothing,  and 
staff,  field  and  cavalry  officers,  one  horse  each. 
The  rank  and  file  will  be  allowed  all  their  cloth 
ing,  but  no  other  property.  If  these  conditions 
are  accepted,  any  amount  of  rations  you  may  deem 
necessary  can  be  taken  from  the  stores  you  now 
have,  and  also  the  necessary  cooking  utensils  for 
preparing  them ;  thirty  wagons  also,  counting  two 
two-horse  or  mule  teams  as  one.  You  will  be  al 
lowed  to  transport  such  articles  as  cannot  be  car 
ried  along.  The  same  conditions  will  be  allowed 
to  all  sick  and  wounded  officers  and  privates  as 
fast  as  they  become  able  to  travel.  The  paroles 
for  these  latter  must  be  signed,  however,  whilst 
officers  are  present  authorized  to  sign  the  roll  of 
prisoners. 


346  SURRENDER     OF     THE     CITY. 

After  some  further  correspondence  on  both 
sides  this  proposition  was  accepted,  and  on  the 
fourth  of  July  the  Federals  took  possession  of  the 
city  of  Yicksburg. 

A  paragraph  from  General  Grant's  official  des 
patch  will  best  explain  the  result  of  his  campaign, 
together  with  the  surrender  of  Yicksburg :  u  The 
defeat  of  the  enemy  in  five  battles  outside  of 
Yicksburg,  the  occupation  of  Jackson,  the  capital 
of  the  State  of  Mississippi,  'and  the  capture  of 
Yicksburg  and  its  garrison  and  munitions  of  war, 
a  loss  to  the  enemy  of  thirty-seven  thousand  pris- 
ers,  among  whom  were  fifteen  general  officers,  at 
least  ten  thousand  killed  and  wounded,  and  among 
the  killed  Generals  Tracy,  Tilghman  and  Green, 
and  hundreds,  perhaps  thousands,  of  stragglers, 
who  can  never  be  collected  and  organized.  Arms 
and  munitions  of  war  for  an  army  of  sixty  thou 
sand  have  fallen  into  our  hands,  besides  a  large 
amount  of  other  public  property,  consisting  of 
railroads,  locomotives,  cars,  steamboats,  cotton, 
etc.,  and  much  was  destroyed  to  prevent  our  cap 
turing  it." 

On  the  thirteenth  of  July  the  President  sent  an 
autograph  letter  to  General  Grant,  of  which  the 
following  is  a  copy : 

EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  WASHINGTON,  •} 
July  13th,  1863.      j 
To  Major  General  Grant : 

MY  DEAR  GENERAL — I  do  not  remember  that 


SECRET    OF    SUCCESS.  347 

you  and  I  ever  met  personally.  I  write  this  now 
as  a  grateful  acknowledgment  for  the  almost  ines 
timable  service  you  have  done  the  country.  I 
wish  to  say  a  word  further.  When  you  first 
reached  the  vicinity  of  Vicksburg  I  thought  you 
should  do  what  you  finally  did — march  the  troops 
across  the  neck,  run  the  batteries  with  the  trans 
ports,  and  thus  go  below ;  and  I  never  had  any 
faith,  except  a  general  hope  that  you  knew  better 
than  I,  that  the  Yazoo  Pass  expedition  and  the  like 
could  succeed.  When  you  got  below  and  took 
Port  Gipson,  Grand  Gulf  and  vicinity,  I  thought 
you  should  go  down  the  river  and  join  Banks ; 
and  when  you  turned  northward,  east  of  the  Big 
Black,  I  feared  it  was  a  mistake.  I  now  wish  to 
make  a  personal  acknowledgment  that  you  were 
right  and  I  was  wrong. 

Yours,  very  truly, 

A.  LINCOLN. 

It  is  stated  on  good  authority  that  at  the  time 
the  news  of  Grant's  success  reached  the  President, 
there  were  several  gentlemen  present  some  of 
whom  had  just  been  informing  Mr.  Lincoln  that 
there  were  great  complaints  against  General  Grant 
with  regard  to  his  intemperate  habits.  After 
reading  the  telegram  announcing  the  fall  of  Vicks 
burg,  the  President  turned  to  his  anxious  friends 
of  the  temperance  question  and  said  : 

u  So  I  understand  Grant  drinks  whiskey  to  ex 
cess  ?  " 


348  GOLD    LACE. 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply. 

"What  whiskey  does  he  drink?  " 

"  What  whiskey  ?  "  doubtfully  queried  his  hearers. 

"  Yes.     Is  it  Bourbon  or  Monongahela  ?  " 

uWhy  do  you  ask,  Mr.  President?" 

"Because  if  it  makes  him  win  victories  like  that 
at  Yicksburg,  I  will  send  a  demijohn  of  the  same 
kind  to  every  general  in  the  army." 

It  is  also  stated  on  the  same  authority  that  Gene 
ral  Grant  is  strictly  temperate. 

His  men  are  almost  as  much  attached  to  him  as 
are  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  to  General  McClel- 
lan.  He  is  a  true  soldier,  and  shares  all  the  hard 
ships  with  his  men,  sleeping  on  the  ground  in  the 
open  air,  and  eating  hard  bread  and  salt  pork  with 
as  good  a  grace  as  any  private  soldier. 

He  seldom  wears  a  sword,  except  when  abso 
lutely  necessary,  and  frequently  wears  a  semi- 
military  coat  and  low  crowned  hat. 

The  mistakes  which  people  used  to  make,  when 
coming  to  headquarters  to  see  the  general,  often 
reminded  me  of  a  genuine  anecdote  which  is  told 
of  General  Richardson,  or  "  Fighting  Dick,"  as  we 
familiarly  called  him.  It  occurred  when  the 
troops  were  encamped  near  Washington,  and  was 
as  follows : 

The  general  was  sauntering  along  toward  a 
fort,  which  was  in  course  of  erection  not  far  from 
headquarters,  dressed  in  his  usual  uniform  for  fa 
tigue,  namely:  citizen's  pants,  undress  coat,  and 


POMPOSITY.  349 

an  old  straw  hat  which  had  once  been  white,  but 
was  now  two  or  three  shades  nearer  the  general's 
own  complexion.  •  , 

Along  came  one  of  those  dashing  city  staff  offi 
cers,  in  white  gloves,  and  trimmed  off  with  gold 
lace  to  the  very  extreme  of  military  regulations. 
He  was  in  search  of  General  Richardson,  but  did 
not  know  him  personally.  Reining  up  his  horse 
some  little  distance  from  the  general,  he  shouted : 
u  hallo,  old  fellow  !  can  you  tell  me  where  General 
Richardson's  headquarters  are  ?  " 

The  general  pointed  out  the  tent  to  him,  and 
the  young  officer  went  dashing  along,  without  ever 
saying  "thank  you."  The. general  then  turned  on 
his  heel  and  went  back  to  his  tent,  where  he  found 
the  officer  making  a  fuss  because  there  was  no  or 
derly  to  hold  his  horse.  Turning  to  General  R., 
as  he  came  up,  he  said:  "Won't  you  hold  my 
horse  while  I  find  General  R.  ?  "  "  Oh  yes,  cer 
tainly,"  said  he. 

After  hitching  the  horse  to  a  post  near  by  for 
that  purpose,  the  general  walked  into  the  tent, 
and,  confronting  young  pomposity,  he  said  in  his 
peculiar  twang,  "Well,  sir,  what  will  you  have?" 

When  the  Federal  troops  marched  into  Yicks~ 
burg,  what  a  heart-sickening  sight  it  presented ; 
the  half-famished  inhabitants  had  crawled  from 
their  dens  and  caves  in  the  earth,  to  find  their 
houses  demolished  by  shell,  and  all  their  pleasant 
places  laid  waste. 


350  SIGHTS    IN    VICKSBURG. 

But  the  appearance  of  the  soldiers  as  they  came 
from  the  entrenchments  covered  with  mud  and 
bespattered  with  the  blood  of  their  comrades  who 
had  been  killed  or  wounded,  would  have  touched 
a  heart  of  stone. 

The  poor  horses,  and  mules,  too,  were  a  sad 
sight,  for  they  had  fared  even  worse  than  the  sol 
diers — for  there  was  no  place  of  safety  for  them — 
not  even  entrenchments,  and  they  had  scarcely 
anything  at  all  to  eat  for  weeks,  except  mulberry 
leaves. 

One  man,  in  speaking  of  the  state  of  affairs  in 
the  city,  during  the  siege,  said:  u  The  terror  of 
the  women  and  children,  their  constant  screams 
and  wailings  over  the  dead  bodies  of  their  friends, 
mingled  as  they  were  with  the  shrieks  of  bursting 
shell,  and  the  pitiful  groans  of  the  dying,  was 
enough  to  appall  the  stoutest  heart."  And  others 
said  it  was  a  strange  fact  that  the  women  could 
not  venture  out  of  their  caves  a  moment  without 
either  being  killed  or  wounded,  while  the  men 
and  officers  walked  or  rode  about  with  but  little 
loss  of  life  comparatively. 

A  lady  says :  "  Sitting  in  my  cave,  one  evening, 
I  heard  the  most  heart-rending  shrieks  and  groans, 
and  upon  making  inquiry,  I  was  told  that  a  mother 
had  taken  her  child  into  a  cave  about  a  hundred 
yards  from  us,  and  having  laid  it  on  its  little  bed, 
as  the  poor  woman  thought,  in  safety,  she  took 
her  seat  near  the  entrance  of  the  cave.  A  mortar- 


REBEL    SUFFERINGS.  351 

shell  came  rushing  through  the  air,  and  fell  upon 
the  cave,  and  bursting  in  the  ground  entered  the 
cave ;  a  fragment  of  the  shell  mashed  the  head  of 
the  little  sleeper,  crushing  out  the  young  life,  and 
leaving  the  distracted  mother  to  pierce  the  heavens 
with  her  cries  of  agony." 

How  blightingly  the  hand  of  war  lay  upon  that 
once  flourishing  city !  The  closed  and  desolate 
houses,  the  gardens  with  open  gates,  and  the  poor, 
starving  mules,  standing  amid  the  flowers,  picking 
off  every  green  leaf,  to  allay  their  hunger,  pre 
sented  a  sad  picture. 

I  will  give  the  following  quotation  as  a  specimen 
of  cave  life  in  Yicksburg :  u  I  was  sitting  near  the 
entrance  of  my  cave  about  five  o'clock  in  the  af 
ternoon,  when  the  bombardment  commenced  more 
furiously  than  usual,  the  shells  falling  thickly 
around  us,  causing  vast  columns  of  earth  to  fly 
upward,  mingled  with  smoke.  As  usual,  I  was 
uncertain  whether  to  remain  within,  or  to  run  out. 
As  the  rocking  and  trembling  of  the  earth  was 
distinctly  felt,  and  the  explosions  alarmingly  near, 
I  stood  within  the  mouth  of  the  cave  ready  to 
make  my  escape,  should  one  chance  to  fall  above 
our  domicile. 

"In  my  anxiety  I  was  startled  by  the  shouts  of 
the  servants,  and  a  most  fearful  jar  and  rocking  of 
the  earth,  followed  by  a  deafening  explosion,  such 
as  I  had  never  heard  before.  The  cave  filled  in 
stantly  with  smoke  and  dust.  I  stood  there,  with 


352  CAVE    LIFE. 

a  tingling,  prickling  sensation  in  my  head,  hands 
and  feet,  and  with  confused  brain.  Yet  alive ! 
was  the  first  glad  thought  that  came  to  me — child, 
servants,  all  here,  and  saved ! 

"  I  stepped  out  and  found  a  group  of  persons  be 
fore  my  cave,  looking  anxiously  for  me,  and  lying 
all  around  were  freshly-torn  rose  bushes,  arbor- 
vitas  trees,  large  clods  of  earth,  splinters,  and 
pieces  of  plank. 

"  A  mortar-shell  had  struck  the  corner  of  the 
cave ;  fortunately,  so  near  the  brow  of  the  hill, 
that  it  had  gone  obliquely  into  the  earth,  explod 
ing  as  it  went,  breaking  large  masses  from  the 
side  of  the  hill — tearing  away  the  fence,  the  shrub 
bery  and  flowers — sweeping  all  ]jke  an  avalanche 
down  near  the  entrance  of  my  poor  refuge. 

<;  On  another  occasion  I  sat  reading  in  safety,  I 
imagined,  when  the  unmistakable  whirring  of 
Parrott  shells  told  us  that  the  battery  we  so  much 
dreaded  had  opened  from  the  entrenchments.  I 
ran  to  the  entrance  to  call  the  servants  in.  Imme 
diately  after  they  entered  a  shell  struck  the  earth 
a  few  feet  from  the  entrance,  burying  itself  with 
out  exploding. 

"  A  man  came  in,  much  frightened,  and  asked 
permission  to  remain  until  the  danger  was  over. 
He  had  been  there  but  a  short  time  when  a  Par 
rott  shell  came  whirling  in  at  the  entrance  and  fell 
in  the  center  of  the  cave  before  us,  and  lay  there, 
the  fuse  still  smoking. 


REBEL    SEBASTOPOL.  353 

"  Our  eyes  were  fastened  upon  that  terrible  mis 
sile  of  death  as  by  the  fascination  of  a  serpent, 
while  we  expected  every  moment  that  the  terrific 
explosion  would  take  place.  I  pressed  my  child 
closer  to  my  heart  and  drew  nearer  the  wall.  Our 
fate  seemed  certain — our  doom  was  sealed. 

"  Just  at  this  dreadful  moment,  George,  a  negro 
boy,  rushed  forward,  seized  the  shell,  and  threw  it 
into  the  street,  then  ran  swiftly  in  the  opposite 
direction. 

''Fortunately  the  fuse  became  extinguished  and 
the  shell  fell  harmless  to  the  ground,  and  is  still 
looked  upon  as  a  monument  of  terror." 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

WESTERN     GIBRALTAR— THE      "LEAD     MIXERS  "—THE     PALMETTO 

EXCHANGED    FOR    THE     STARS     AND     STRIPES ENTHUSIASM    OF 

TROOPS— SUFFERINGS  FORGOTTEN— I  AM  ATTACKED  BY  FEVER 
UNFIT  FOR  DUTY "  VICKSBURG  IS  OURS  " SPIRIT  YEARN 
INGS— "  ROCK  ME  TO  SLEEP  MOTHER  "—IMPOSITION  OP 
STEAMBOAT  OFFICERS— GRANTS  CARE  FOR  HIS  MEN—. 
BURSTING  OF  A  SHELL  IN  CAMP CONSEQUENCES— SPEECH 
LESS  AGONY 1  AM  RELEASED  FROM  DUTY MY  TRIP  TO 

CAIRO MISS    MARY    SAFFORD ARRIVAL    AT    WASHINGTON. 

IT  was  a  proud  day  for  the  Union  army  when 
General  U.   S.   Grant  marched  his  victorious 
troops  into  the  rebel  Sebastopol— or  "the  western 
Gibraltar,"  as  the  rebels  were  pleased  to  term  it. 
The  troops  marched  in  triumphantly,  the  Forty^ 


354  ATTACKED    BY    FEYER. 

fifth  Illinois,  the  "lead  miners,"  leading  the  van, 
and  as  they  halted  in  front  of  the  fine  white  mar 
ble  Court  House,  and  flung  out  the  National  ban 
ner  to  the  breeze,  and  planted  the  battle-worn 
flags  bearing  the  dear  old  stars  and  stripes — where 
the  u  palmetto"  had  so  recently  floated — then  went 
up  tremendous  shouts  of  triumphant  and  enthusi 
astic  cheers,  which  were  caught  up  and  re-echoed 
by  the  advancing  troops  until  all  was  one  wild 
scene  of  joy;  and  the  devastated  city  and  its 
miserable  inhabitants  were  forgotten  in  the  tri 
umph  of  the  hour. 

This  excitement  proved  too  much  for  me,  as  I 
had  been  suffering  from  fever  for  several  days 
previous,  and  had  risen  from  my  cot  and  mounted 
my  horse  for  the  purpose  of  witnessing  the  crown 
ing  act  of  the  campaign.  Now  it  was  over,  and  I 
was  exhausted  and  weak  as  a  child. 

I  was  urged  to  go  to  a  hospital,  Jbut  refused ; 
yet  at  length  I  was  obliged  to  report  myself  unfit 
for  duty,  but  still  persisted  in  sitting  up  most  of 
the  time.  Oh  what  dreary  days  and  nights  I 
passed  in  that  dilapidated  city !  A  slow  fever  had 
fastened  itself  upon  me,  and  in  spite  of  all  my  for 
titude  and  determination  to  shake  it  off,  I  was 
each  day  becoming  more  surely  its  victim. 

I  could  not  bear  the  shouts  of  the  men,  or  their 
songs  of  triumph  which  rung  out  upon  every 
breeze — one  of  which  I  can  never  forget,  as  I 
heard  it  sung  until  my  poor  brain  was  distracted, 


"VICKSBURG     IS    OURS."  355 

and  in  my  hours  of  delirium  I  kept  repeating 
"Vicksburg  is  ours,"  "Vicksburg  is  ours,"  in  a 
manner  more  amusing  than  musical. 

I  will  here  quote  a  few  verses  which  I  think  are 
the  same : 

Hark !  borne  upon  the  Southern  breeze, 
As  whispers  breathed  above  the  trees, 
Or  as  the  swell  from  off  the  seas, 

In  summer  showers, 
Fall  softly  on  the  ears  of  men 
Strains  sweetly  indistinct,  and  then — 
Hist !  listen  !  catch  the  sound  again — 

"  Vicksburg  is  ours!  " 

O'er  sea-waves  beating  on  the  shore, 
'Bove  the  thunder-storm  and  tempest  o'er, 
O'er  cataracts  in  headlong  roar, 

High,  high  it  towers. 
O'er  all  the  breastworks  and  the  moats 
The  Starry  Flag  in  triumph  floats, 
And  heroes  thunder  from'  their  throats 

"Vicksburg  is  ours  1 1" 

Spread  all  your  banners  in  the  sky, 
The  sword  of  victory  gleams  on  high, 
Our  conquering  eagles  upward  fly, 

And  kiss  the  stars ; 
For  Liberty  the  Gods  awake, 
And  hurl  the  shattered  foes  a  wreck, 
The  Northern  arms  make  strong  to  break 

The  Southern  bars. 

All  honor  to  the  brave  and  true 

Who  fought  the  bloody  battles  through, 

And  from  the  ramparts  victory  drew 

Where  Vicksburg  cowers ; 
And  o'er  the  trenches,  o'er  the  slain, 
Through  iron  hail  and  leaden  rain, 
Still  plunging  onward,  might  and  main, 

Made  Vicksburg  ours. 


356  SPIRIT    YEARNINGS. 

I  think  I  realized,  in  those  hours  of  feverish 
restlessness  and  pain,  the  heart-yearnings  for  the 
touch  of  a  mother's  cool  hand  upon  my  brow, 
which  I  had  so  often  heard  the  poor  sick  and 
wounded  soldiers  speak  of.  Oh  how  I  longed  for 
one  gentle  caress  from  her  loving  hand !  and  when 
I  would  sometimes  fall  into  a  quiet  slumber,  and 
forget  my  surroundings,  I  would  often  wake  up 
and  imagine  my  mother  sat  beside  me,  and  would 
only  realize  my  sad  mistake  when  looking  in  the 
direction  I  supposed  her  to  be,  there  would  be 
seen  some  great  bearded  soldier,  wrapped  up  in 
an  overcoat,  smoking  his  pipe. 

The  following  lines  in  some  measure  express  my 
spirit-longings  for  the  presence  of  my  mother  in 
those  nights  of  torturing  fever  and  days  of  languor 
and  despondency : 

Backward,  turn  backward,  0  Time,  in  your  flight; 
Make  me  a  child  again,  just  for  to-night  I 
Mother,  0  come  from  the  far-distant  shore, 
Take  me  again  to  your  heart  as  of  yore ; 
Over  my  slumbers  your  loving  watch  keep — 
Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother,  rock  me  to  sleep. 
******* 

Backward,  flow  backward,  0  tide  of  the  years ! 
I  am  so  weary  of  toils  and  of  tears, 
Toil  without  recompense — tears  all  in  vain — 
Take  them,  and  give  me  my  childhood  again. 
I  have  grown  weary  of  warfare  and  strife, 
Weary  of  bartering  my  health  and  my  life, 
Weary  of  sowing  for  others  to  reap — 
Rock  me  to  sleep,  mother,  rock  me  to  sleep. 

After  the  fall  of  Yicksburg  a  large  proportion 


1  IMPOSITION.  357 

of  the  soldiers  in  that  vicinity,  who  had  fought  so 
bravely,  endured  so  many  hardships,  and  lain  in 
the  entrenchments  so  many  weary  weeks  during 
the  siege,  were  permitted  to  visit  their  homes  on 
furlough. 

In  view  of  this  General  Grant  issued  a  special 
order  forbidding  steamboat  officers  to  charge  more 
than  five  dollars  to  enlisted  men,  and  seven  dollars 
to  officers,  as  fare  between  Vicksburg  and  Cairo. 
Notwithstanding  this  order  the  captains  of  steam 
ers  were  in  the  habit  of  charging  from  fifteen  to 
thirty  dollars  apiece. 

On  one  occasion  one  of  those  steamers  had  on 
board  an  unusually  large  number  of  soldiers, 
said  to  be  over  one  thousand  enlisted  men  and 
nearly  two  hundred  and  fifty  officers,  en  route 
for  home  on  leave  of  absence ;  and  all  had  paid 
from  twenty  to  twenty-five  dollars  each.  But  just 
as  the  boat  was  about  to  push  off  from  the  wharf 
an  order  came  from  General  Grant  requiring  the 
money  to  be  refunded  to  men  and  officers  over 
and  above  the  stipulated  sum  mentioned  in  a  pre- 
vious  order,  or  the  captain  to  have  his  boat  confis 
cated  and  submit  himself  to  imprisonment  for 
disobedience  of  orders.  Of  course  the  captain 
handed  over  the  money,  and  amid  cheers  for  Gen 
eral  Grant,  sarcastic  smiles,  and  many  amusing  and 
insinuating  speeches  and  doubtful  compliments  to 
the  captain,  the  men  pocketed  the  recovered 
"greenbacks,"  and  went  on  their  way  rejoicing. 


358  BURSTING     OF    A    SHELL. 

When  the  General  was  told  of  the  imposition 
practiced  by  the  boatmen  on  his  soldiers,  he  re 
plied  :  "I  will  teach  them,  if  they  need  the  lesson, 
that  the  men  who  have  periled  their  lives  to  open 
the  Mississippi  for  their  benefit  cannot  be  imposed 
upon  with  impunity." 

A  noble  trait  in  the  character  of  this  brave  gen 
eral  is  that  he  looks  after  the  welfare  of  his  men 
as  one  who  has  to  give  an  account  of  his  steward 
ship,  or  of  those  intrusted  to  his  care. 

I  remained  in  my  tent  for  several  days,  not  be 
ing  able  to  walk  about,  or  scarcely  able  to  sit  up. 
I  was  startled  one  day  from  my  usual  quietude  by 
the  bursting  of  a  shell  which  had  lain  in  front  of 
my  tent,  and  from  which  no  danger  was  appre 
hended  ;  yet  it  burst  at  a  moment  when  a  number 
of  soldiers  were  gathered  round  it — and  oh,  what 
sad  havoc  it  made  of  those  cheerful,  happy  boys 
of  a  moment  previous !  Two  of  them  were  killed 
instantly  and  four  were  wounded  seriously,  and 
the  tent  where  I  lay  was  cut  in  several  places  with 
fragments  of  shell,  the  tent  poles  knocked  out  of 
their  places,  and  the  tent  filled  with  dust  and 
smoke. 

One  poor  colored  boy  had  one  of  his  hands  torn 
off  at  the  wrist ;  and  of  all  the  wounded  that  I 
have  ever  seen  I  never  heard  such  unearthly  yells 
and  unceasing  lamentations  as  that  boy  poured 
forth  night  and  day ;  ether  and  chloroform  were 
alike  unavailing  in  hushing  the  cries  of  the  poor 


A  MOTHER'S    AGONY.  359 

sufferer.  At  length  the  voice  began  to  grow 
weaker,  and  soon  afterwards  ceased  altogether; 
and  upon  making  inquiry  I  found  he  had  died 
groaning  and  crying  until  his  voice  was  hushed  in 
death. 

The  mother  and  sister  of  one  of  the  soldiers  who 
was  killed  by  the  explosion  of  the  shell  arrived  a 
short  time  after  the  accident  occurred,  and  it  was 
truly  a  most  pitiful  sight  to  see  the  speechless 
grief  of  those  stricken  ones  as  they  sat  beside  the 
senseless  clay  of  that  beloved  son  and  brother. 

All  my  soldierly  qualities  seemed  to  have  fled, 
and  I  was  again  a  poor,  cowardly,  nervous,  whin 
ing  woman;  and  as  if  to  make  up  for  lost  time, 
and  to  give  vent  to  my  long  pent  up  feelings,  I 
could  do  nothing  but  weep  hour  after  hour,  until 
it  would  seem  that  my  head  was  literally  a  foun 
tain  of  tears  and  my  heart  one  great  burden  of 
sorrow.  All  the  horrid  scenes  that  I  had  wit 
nessed  during  the  past  two  years  seemed  now  be 
fore  me  with  vivid  distinctness,  and  I  could  think 
of  nothing  else. 

It  was  under  these  circumstances  that  I  made  up 
my  mind  to  leave  the  army ;  and  when  once  my 
mind  is  made  up  on  any  subject  I  am  very  apt  to 
act  at  once  upon  that  decision.  So  it  was  in  this 
case.  I  sent  for  the  surgeon  and  told  him  I  was 
not  able  to  remain  longer — that  I  would  certainly 
die  if  I  did  not  leave  immediately. 

The  good  old  surgeon  concurred  in  my  opinion, 


3GO  I    LEAVE     THE     SERVICE. 

and  made  out  a  certificate  of  disability,  and  I  was 
forthwith  released  from  further  duty  as  "Nurse 
and  Spy"  in  the  Federal  army. 

The  very  next  day  I  embarked  for  Cairo,  and 
on  my  arrival  there  I  procured  female  attire,  and 
laid  aside  forever  (perhaps)  my  military  uniform ; 
but  I  had  become  so  accustomed  to  it  that  I  parted 
with  it  with  much  reluctance. 

While  in  Cairo  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the 
celebrated  Miss  Mary  Safford,  of  whom  so  much 
has  been  said  and  written. 

One  writer  gives  the  following  account  of  her, 
which  is  correct  with  regard  to  personal  appear 
ance,  and  I  have  no  doubt  is  correct  throughout : 

UI  cannot  close  this  letter  without  a  passing 
word  in  regard  to  one  whose  name  is  mentioned 
by  thousands  of  our  soldiers  with  gratitude  and 
blessing. 

"  Miss  Mary  Safford  is  a  resident  of  this  town, 
whose  life,  since  the  beginning  of  this  war,  has 
been  'devoted  to  the  amelioration  of  the  soldier's 
lot  and  his  comfort  in  the  hospital. 

"  She  is  a  young  lady,  petite  in  figure,  unpre 
tending,  but  highly  cultivated,  by  no  means  offi 
cious,  and  so  wholly  unconscious  of  her  excellencies 
and  the  great  work  that  she  is  achieving,  that  I 
fear  this  public  allusion  to  her  may  pain  her  mod 
est  nature. 

"  Her  sweet  young  face,  full  of  benevolence,  her 
pleasant  voice  and  winning  manner,  install  her  in 


A  WOMAN'S  WORK.  361 

every  one's  heart  directly ;  and  the  more  one  sees 
of  her  the  more  they  admire  her  great  soul  and 
noble  nature. 

"  Not  a  day  elapses  but  she  is  found  in  the  hos 
pitals,  unless  indeed  she  is  absent  on  an  errand  of 
mercy  up  the  Tennessee,  or  to  the  hospitals  in 
Kentucky. 

"Every  sick  and  wounded  soldier  in  Cairo 
knows  and  loves  her,  and,  as  she  enters  the  ward, 
every  pale  face  brightens  at  her  approach.  As  she 
passes  along  she  inquires  of  each  one  how  he  had 
passed  the  night,  if  he  is  well  supplied  with  books 
and  tracts,  and  if  there  is  anything  she  can  do  for 
him.  All  tell  her  their  story  frankly — the  old  man 
old  enough  to  be  her  father,  and  the  boy  in  his 
teens,  all  confide  in  her. 

"For  one  she  must  write  a  letter  to  his  friend 
at  home ;  she  must  sit  clown  and  read  at  the  cot 
of  another ;  must  procure,  if  the  surgeon  will  al* 
low  it,  this  or  that  article  of  food  for  a  third ;  must 
soothe  and  encourage  a  fourth  who  desponds  and 
is  ready  to  give  up  his  hold  on  life ;  must  pray  for 
a  fifth  who  is  afraid  to  die,  and  wrestle  for  him  till 
light  shines  through  the  dark  valley ;  and  so  on, 
varied  as  may  be  the  personal  or  spiritual  wants  of 
the  sufferers. 

u  Surgeons,  nurses,  medical  directors,  and  army 
officers,  are  all  her  true  friends,  and  so  judicious 
and  trustworthy  is  she,  that  the  Chicago  Sanitary 
Commission  have  given  her  carte  Handle  to  draw 


362  REVIEW. 

on  their  stores  at  Cairo  for  anything  she  may  need 
in  her  errands  of  mercy  in  the  hospitals. 

"  She  is  performing  a  noble  work,  and  that  too 
in  the  most  quiet  and  unassuming  manner." 

From  Cairo  I  went  to  Washington,  where  I 
spent  several  weeks,  until  I  recovered  from  my 
fever  and  was  able  to  endure  the  fatigue  of 
traveling.  Then  after  visiting  the  hospitals  once 
more,  and  bidding  farewell  to  old  scenes  and  asso 
ciations,  I  returned  to  my  friends  to  recruit  my 
shattered  health. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

REVIEW  OF  HOSPITAL  AND    CAMP    LIFE QUESTIONS  ANSWERED 

BEHIND     THE     SCENES BLESSED     EMPLOYMENT LIVING     PAST 

SCENES  OVER  AGAIN MY    MOST    IMPORTANT  LABORS — MOTHER 

AND  SON" STRANGE  POWER  OF  SYMPATHY HERo's    REPOSE 

OFFICERS     AND     MEN — THE    BRAVEST    ARE    KINDEST GENERAL 

SEDGWICK BATTLE     SCENES MR.     ALVORD's     DESCRIPTION — • 

VOLUNTEER  SURGEONS HEART  SICKENING  SIGHTS AN  AWFUL 

PICTURE FEMALE  NURSES SENTIMENTAL PATRIOTIC MEDI 
CAL  DEPARTMENT YOUNG  SURGEONS ANECDOTES. 

SINCE  I  returned  to  New  England  there  have 
been  numerous  questions  asked  me  with  re 
gard  to  hospitals,  camp  life,  etc.,  which  have  not 
been  fully  answered  in  the  preceding  narrative, 
and  I  have  thought  that  perhaps  it  would  not  be 
out  of  place  to  devote  a  chapter  to  that  particular 
object. 


BEHIND    THE    SCENES.  363 

One  great  question  is:  uDo  the  soldiers  get  the 
clothing  and  delicacies  which  we  send  them — or 
is  it  true  that  the  surgeons,  officers  and  nurses  ap 
propriate  them  to  their  own  use  ?  " 

In  reply  to  this  question  I  dare  not  assert  that 
all  the  things  which  are  sent  to  the  soldiers  are 
faithfully  distributed,  and  reach  the  individuals 
for  whom  they  were  intended.  But  I  have  no 
hesitation  in  saying  that  I  have  reason  to  believe 
that  the  cases  are  very  rare  where  surgeons  or 
nurses  tamper  with  those  articles  sent  for  the  com- 
fort  of  the  sick  and  wounded. 

If  the  ladies  of  the  Soldiers'  Aid  Societies  and 
other  benevolent  organizations  could  have  seen 
even  the  quantity  which  I  have  seen  with  my  own 
eyes  distributed,  and  the  smile  of  gratitude  with 
which  those  supplies  are  welcomed  by  the  suffer 
ers,  they  would  think  that  they  were  amply  re 
warded  for  all  their  labor  in  preparing  them. 

Just  let  those  benevolent  hearted  ladies  imagine 
themselves  in  my  place  for  a  single  day ;  remov 
ing  blood-clotted  and  stiffened  woollen  garments 
from  ghastly  wounds,  and  after  .applying  the 
sponge  and  water  remedy,  replacing  those  coarse, 
rough  shirts  by  nice,  cool,  clean  linen  ones,  then 
dress  the  wounds  with  those  soft  white  bandages 
and  lint ;  take  from  the  express  box  sheet  after 
sheet,  and  dainty  little  pillows  with  their  snow.y 
cases,  until  you  have  the  entire  hospital  supplied 
and  every  cot  looking  clean  and  inviting  to  the 


364  LIVING    OVER   THE     PAST. 

weary,  wounded  men — then  as  they  are  carried 
and  laid  upon  those  comfortable  beds,  you  will 
often  see  the  tears  of  gratitude  gush  forth,  and 
hear  the  earnest  "  God  bless  the  benevolent  ladies 
who  send  us  these  comforts." 

Then,  after  the  washing  and  clothing  process  is 
gone  through  with,  the  nice  wine  or  Boston  crack 
ers  are  brought  forward,  preserved  fruits,  wines, 
jellies,  etc.,  and  distributed  as  the  different  cases 
may  require. 

I  have  spent  whole  days  in  this  blessed  employ 
ment  without  realizing  weariness  or  fatigue,  so 
completely  absorbed  would  I  become  in  my  work, 
and  so  rejoiced  in  having  those  comforts  provided 
for  our  brave,  suffering  soldiers. 

Time  and  again,  since  I  have  been  engaged  in 
writing  this  little  narrative,  I  have  thrown  down 
my  pen,  closed  my  eyes,  and  lived  over  again 
those  hours  which  I  spent  in  ministering  to  the 
wants  of  those  noble  men,  and  have  longed  to 
go  back  and  engage  in  the  same  duties  once  more. 

I  look  back  now  upon  my  hospital  labors  as 
being  the  most  important  and  interesting  in  my 
life's  history.  The  many  touching  incidents  which 
come  to  my  mind  as  I  recall  those  thrilling  scenes 
make  me  feel  as  if  I  should  never  be  satisfied  un 
til  I  had  recorded  them  all,  so  that  they  might 
never  be  forgotten.  One  occurs  to  my  mind  now 
which  I  must  not  omit : 

"  In  one  of  the  fierce  engagements  with  the 


POWER     OF     SYMPATHY.  3G5 

rebels  near  Mechanicsville,  a  young  lieutenant  of 
a  Rhode  Island  battery  had  his  right  foot  so  shat 
tered  by  a  fragment  of  shell  that  on  reaching 
Washington,  after  one  of  those  horrible  ambulance 
rides,  and  a  journey  of  a  week's  duration,  he  was 
obliged  to  undergo  amputation. 

"  He  telegraphed  home,  hundreds  of  miles  away, 
that  all  was  going  on  well,  and  with  a  soldier's 
fortitude  composed  his  mind  and  determined  to 
bear  his  sufferings  alone.  Unknown  to  him,  how 
ever,  his  mother — one  of  those  dear  reserves  of 
the  army — hastened  up  to  join  the  main  force. 
She  reached  the  city  at  midnight,  and  hastened  to 
the  hospital,  but  her  son  being  in  such  a  critical 
condition,  the  nurses  would  have  kept  her  from 
him  until  morning.  One  sat  by  his  side  fanning 
him  as  he  slept,  her  hand  on  the  feeble,  fluctuating 
pulsations  which  foreboded  sad  results.  But  what 
woman's  heart  could  resist  the  pleading  of  a  moth 
er  at  such  a  moment  ?  In  the  darkness  she  was 
finally  allowed  to  glide  in  and  take  the  nurse's 
place  at  his  side.  She  touched  his  pulse  as  the 
nurse  had  done.  Not  a  word  had  been  spoken ; 
but  the  sleeping  boy  opened  his  eyes  and  said : 
'That  feels  like  my  mother's  hand!  Who  is  this 
beside  me?  It  is  my  mother;  turn  up  the  gas 
and  let  me  see  mother!'  The  two  loving  faces 
met  in  one  long,  joyful,  sobbing  embrace,  and  the 
fondness  pent  up  in  each  heart  wept  forth  its  own 
language. 


366  HERO'S  REPOSE. 

"  The  gallant  fellow  underwent  operation  after 
operation,  and  at  last,  when  death  drew  near,  and 
he  was  told  by  tearful  friends  that  it  only  re 
mained  to  make  him  comfortable,  he  said  he  '  had 
looked  death  in  the  face  too  many  times  to  be 
afraid  now,'  and  died  as  gallantly  as  did  the  men 
of  the  Cumberland." 

When  a  hero  goes 

Unto  his  last  repose, 
When  earth's  trump  of  fame  shall  wake  him  no  more ; 

When  in  the  heavenly  land 

Another  soul  doth  stand, 
Who  perished  for  a  Nation  ere  he  reached  the  shore ; 

Whose  eyes  should  sorrow  dim  ? 

Say,  who  should  mourn  for  him  ? 

Mourn  for  th'e  traitor — mourn 

When  honor  is  forsworn ; 
"When  the  base  wretch  sells  his  land  for  gold, 

Stands  up  unblushingly 

And  boasts  his  perfidy, 
Then,  then,  0  patriots  1  let  your  grief  be  told 

But  when  God's  soldier  yieldeth  up  his  breath, 

0  mourn  ye  not  for  him !  it  is  not  death ! 

Another  question  is  frequently  asked  me — "Are 
not  the  private  soldiers  cruelly  treated  by  the  offi 
cers  ?  "  I  never  knew  but  a  very  few  instances  of 
it,  and  then  it  was  invariably  by  mean,  cowardly 
officers,  who  were  not  fit  to  be  in  command  of  so 
many  mules.  I  have  always  noticed  that  the 
bravest  and  best  fighting  officers  are  the  kindest 
and  most  forbearing  toward  their  men. 

An  interesting  anecdote  is  told  of  the  late  brave 
General  Sedgwick,  which  illustrates  this  fact : 


THE    NOBLE    SEDGWICK.  3G7 

"  One  day,  while  on  a  march,  one  of  our  best 
soldiers  had  fallen  exhausted  by  fatigue  and  ill 
ness,  and  lay  helpless  in  the  road,  when  an  officer 
came  dashing  along  in  evident  haste  to  join  his 
staff  in  advance. 

u  It  was  pitiable  to  see  the  effort  the  poor  boy 
made  to  drag  his  unwilling  limbs  out  of  the  road. 
He  struggled  up  only  to  sink  back  with  a  look 
that  asked  only  the  privilege  of  lying  there  undis 
turbed  to  die. 

"  In  an  instant  he  found  his  head  pillowed  on 
an  arm  as  gentle  as  his  far-away  mother's  might 
have  been,  and  a  face  bent  over  him  expressive  of 
the  deepest  pity. 

"It  is  characteristic  of  our  brave  boys  that  they 
say  but  little.  The  uncomplaining  words  of  the 
soldier  in  this  instance  were  few,  but  understood. 

"  The  officer  raised  him  in  his  arms  and  placed 
him  in  his  own  saddle,  supporting  the  limp  and 
swaying  figure  by  one  firm  arm,  while  with  the 
other  he  curbed  the  step  of  his  impatient  horse  to 
a  gentler  pace. 

"For  two  miles,  without  a  gesture  of  impa 
tience,  he  traveled  in  this  tedious  way,  until  he 
reached  an  ambulance  train  and  placed  the  sick 
man  in  one  of  the  ambulances. 

"  This  was  our  noble  Sedgwick — our  brave  gen 
eral  of  the  Sixth  Corps — pressed  with  great  anxie 
ties  and  knowing  the  preciousness  of  every  moment. 
His  men  used  to  say :  4  We  all  know  that  great 


368  BATTLE    SCENES. 

things  are  to  be  done,  and  well  done,  when  we 
see  that  earnest  figure  in  its  rough  blouse  hur 
rying  past,  and  never  have  we  been  disappointed 
in  him.  He  works  incessantly,  is  unostentatious, 
and  when  he  appears  among  us  all  eyes  follow 
him  with  outspoken  blessings.' ' 

I  have  often  been  asked :  u  Have  you  ever  been 
on  a  battle-field  before  the  dead  and  wounded 
were  removed  ?  "  "  How  did  it  appear  ?  "  "  Please 
describe  one." 

I  have  been  on  many  a  battle-field,  and  have 
often  tried  to  describe  the  horrible  scenes  which  I 
there  witnessed,  but  have  never  yet  been  able  to 
find  language  to  express  half  the  horrors  of  such 
sights  as  I  have  seen  on  those  terrible  fields. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Alvord  has  furnished  us  with  a 
vivid  description  of  a  battle-field,  which  I  will 
give  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  wish  a  true  and 
horrifying  description  of  those  bloody  fields : 

"  To-day  I  have  witnessed  more  horrible  scenes 
than  ever  before  since  I  have  been  in  the  army. 
Hundreds  of  wounded  had  lain  since  the  battle, 
among  rebels,  intermingled  with  heaps  of  slain — 
hungering,  thirsting,  and  with  wounds  inflaming 
and  festering.  Many  had  died  simply  from  want 
of  care.  Their  last  battle  was  fought !  Almost 
every  shattered  limb  required  amputation,  so  pu 
trid  had  the  wounds  become. 

"  I  was  angry  (I  think  without  sin)  at  your  vol 
unteer  surgeons.  Those  of  the  army  were  too 


MR.   ALVORD'S  DESCRIPTION.          369 

few,  and  almost  exhausted.  But  squads  of  vol 
unteers,  as  is  usual,  had  come  on  without  instru 
ments,  and  without  sense  enough  to  set  themselves 
at  work  in  any  way,  and  without  any  idea  of 
dressing  small  wounds.  They  wanted  to  see  am 
putation,  and  so,  while  hundreds  were  crying  for 
help,  I  found  five  of  these  gentlemen  sitting  at 
their  ease,  with  legs  crossed,  waiting  for  their  ex 
pected  reception  by  the  medical  director,  who 
was,  of  course,  up  to  his  elbows  in  work  with  saw 
and  amputating  knife.  I  invited  them  to  assist, 
me  in  my  labors  among  the  suffering,  but  they  had 
4 not  come  to  nurse' — they  were  'surgeons.' 

"  The  disgusting  details  of  the  field  I  need  not 
describe.  Over  miles  of  shattered  forest  and  torn 
earth  the  dead  lie,  sometimes  in  heaps  and  win- 
rows — I  mean  literally !  friend  and  foe,  black  and 
white,  with  distorted  features,  among  mangled  and 
dead  horses,  trampled  in  mud,  and  thrown  in  all 
conceivable  sorts  of  places.  You  can  distinctly 
hear,  over  the  whole  field,  the  hum  and  hissing  of 
decomposition.  Of  course  you  can  imagine  shat 
tered  muskets,  bayonets,  cartridge-boxes,  caps, 
torn  clothing,  cannon-balls,  fragments  of  shell, 
broken  artillery,  etc.  I  went  over  it  all  just  be- 
fore  evening,  and  after  a  couple  of  hours  turned 
away  in  sickening  horror  from  the  dreadful  sight. 
I  write  in  the  midst  of  the  dead,  buried  and  un- 
buried — in  the  midst  of  hospitals  full  of  dying,  suf 
fering  men,  and  weary,  shattered  regiments." 

24 


370  ^FEMALE  NURSES! 

This  is  a  very  mild  illustration  of  some  battle 
fields,  and  yet  it  presents  an  awful  picture. 

0  God !  this  land  grows  rich  in  loyal  blood 

Poured  out  upon  it  to  its  utmost  length ! 
The  incense  of  a  people's  sacrifice — 

The  wrested  offering  of  a  people's  strength. 

It  is  the  costliest  land  beneath  the  sun  I 

'Tis  purchaseless !  and  scarce  a  rood 
But  hath  its  title  written  clear,  and  signed 

In  some  slain  hero's  consecrated  blood. 

And  not  a  flower  that  gems  its  mellowing  soil 

But  thriveth  well  beneath  the  holy  dew 
Of  tears,  that  ease  a  nation's  straining  heart 

"When  the  Lord  of  Battles  smites  it  through  and  through. 

Now  a  word  about  female  nurses  who  go  from 
the  North  to  take  care  of  the  soldiers  in  hospitals. 
I  have  said  but  little  upon  this  point,  but  could 
say  much,  as  I  have  had  ample  opportunity  for 
observation. 

Many  of  the  noble  women  who  have  gone  from 
the  New  England  and  other  loyal  States  have  done, 
and  are  still  doing,  a  work  which  will  engrave 
their  names  upon  the  hearts  of  the  soldiers,  as  the 
name  of  Florence  Nightingale  is  engraved  upon 
the  hearts  of  her  countrymen. 

It  is  a  strange  fact  that  the  more  highly  culti 
vated  and  refined  the  ladies  are,  they  make  all  the 
better  nurses.  They  are  sure  to  submit  to  incon 
venience  and  privations  with  a  much  better  grace 
than  those  of  the  lower  classes. 

It  is  true  we  have  some  sentimental  young  la- 


REAL    AND    IDEAL.  371 

dies,  who  go  down  there  and  expect  to  find  every 
thing  in  drawing-room  style,  with  nothing  to  do 
but  sit  and  fan  handsome  young  mustached  heroes 
in  shoulder-straps,  and  read  poetry,  etc. ;  and  on 
finding  the  real  somewhat  different  from  the  ideal, 
which  their  ardent  imaginations  had  created,  they 
become  homesick  at  once,  and  declare  that  they 
"  cannot  endure  such  work  as  washing  private  sol 
diers'  dirty  faces  and  combing  tangled,  matted 
hair;  and,  what  is  more,  won't  do  it."  So  after 
making  considerable  fuss,  and  trailing  round  in 
very  long  silk  skirts  for  several  days,  until  every 
body  becomes  disgusted,  they  are  politely  invited 
by  the  surgeon  in  charge  to  migrate  to  some  more 
congenial  atmosphere. 

But  the  patriotic,  whole-souled,  educated  woman 
twists  up  her  hair  in  a  "  cleared-for-action  "  sort 
of  style,  rolls  up  the  sleeves  of  her  plain  cotton 
dress,  and  goes  to  work  washing  dirty  faces, 
hands  and  feet,  as  if  she  knew  just  what  to  do  and 
how  to  do  it.  And  when  she  gets  through  with 
that  part  of  the  programme,  she  is  just  as  willing 
to  enter  upon  some  new  duty,  whether  it  is  writing 
letters  for  the  boys  or  reading  for  them,  adminis 
tering  medicine  or  helping  to  dress  wounds.  And 
everything  is  done  so  cheerfully  that  one  would 
think  it  was  really  a  pleasure  instead  of  a  disagree 
able  task. 

But  the  medical  department  is  unquestionably 
the  greatest  institution  in  the  whole  army.  I  will 


372  MEDICAL    DEPARTMENT. 

not  attempt  to  anwer  all  the  questions  I  have  been 
asked  concerning  it,  but  will  say  that  there  are 
many  true  stories,  and  some  false  ones,  circulated 
with  regard  to  that  indispensable  fraternity. 

I  think  I  may  freely  say  that  there  is  a  shadow 
of  truth  in  that  old  story  of  "  whiskey"  and  uin- 
competency  "  which  we  have  so  often  heard  ap 
plied  to  individuals  in  the  medical  department, 
who  are  intrusted  with  the  treatment,  and  often 
the  lives  of  our  soldiers. 

There  is  a  vast  difference  in  surgeons ;  some  are 
harsh  and  cruel — whether  it  is  from  habit  or  insen 
sibility  I  am  not  prepared  to  say — but  I  know  the 
men  would  face  a  rebel  battery  with  less  forebo 
dings  than  they  do  some  of  our  worthy  surgeons. 

There  is  a  class  who  seem  to  act  upon  the  prin 
ciple  of  "no  smart  no  cure,"  if  we  may  be  allowed 
to  judge  from  the  manner  in  which  they  twitch 
off  bandages  and  the  scientific  twists  and  jerks 
given  to  shattered  limbs. 

Others  again  are  very  gentle  and  tender  with 
the  men,  and  seem  to  study  how  to  perform  the 
necessary  operations  with  the  least  possible  pain 
to  the  patients. 

But  the  young  surgeons,  fresh  from  the  dissect 
ing  room,  when  operating  in  conjunction  with  our 
old  Western  practitioners,  forcibly  reminded  me 
of  the  anecdote  of  the  young  collegian  teaching 
his  grandmother  to  suck  an  egg :  u  We  make  an 
incision  at  the  apex  and  an  aperture  at  the  base ; 


CLOSING   INCIDENTS.  373 

then  making  a  vacuum  with  the  tongue  and  pal 
ate,  we  suffer  the  contained  matter  to  be  protruded 
into  the  mouth  by  atmospheric  pressure."  "La! 
how  strange !  "  said  his  grandmother ;  u  in  my  day 
we  just  made  a  hole  in  each  end,  and  then  sucked 
it  without  half  that  trouble." 

I  once  saw  a  young  surgeon  amputate  a  limb, 
and  I  could  think  of  nothing  else  than  of  a  Ken- 
nebec  Yankee  whom  I  once  saw  carve  a  Thanks 
giving  turkey ;  it  was  his  first  attempt  at  carving, 
and  the  way  in  which  he  disjointed  those  limbs  I 
shall  never  forget. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

CLOSING   INCIDENTS — PROFESSOR   LOWERS  BALLOON FITZ  JOHN 

PORTER'S  ADVENTURE — HIS  UPWARD  FLIGHT — RECONNOITERING- 

FROM  A  DANGEROUS  POSITION COOL  COURAGE £NTHUSIAS> 

TIC    GREETING — AN   EARNEST   INQUIRER A  BAPTISM  IN  THE 

ARMY PREACHING  BY  MOONLIGHT A  MAGNIFICENT  SCENE 

A  WEDDING  IN  CAMP GAY  TIMES A  CONTRAST HOSPITAL  IN" 

WINCHESTER SPIRIT  OF  REVENGE SABLE  HEROINE A  WHITE 

DARKEY — COLORED  SOLDIERS CONCLUSION. 

IN  looking  back  over  the  events  of  the  two 
years  which  I  spent  in  the  army,  I  see  so  much 
worthy  of  record  I  scarcely  know  where  to  stop. 
A  most  thrilling  incident  occurs  to  my  mind  at 
this  moment  in  connection  with  Professor  Lowe 
and  his  balloon,  which  I  must  relate  before  closing. 


374  BALLOONING. 

It  took  place  while  McClellan's  army  was  in  front 
of  Yorktown. 

General  Fitz  John  Porter  having  been  in  the 
habit  of  making  frequent  ascensions  in  company 
with  Professor  Lowe,  learned  to  go  aloft  alone. 

One  morning  he  stepped  into  the  car  and  or 
dered  the  cable  to  be  let  out  with  all  speed.  We 
saw  with  surprise  that  the  flurried  assistants  were 
sending  up  the  great  straining  canvas  with  a  sin 
gle  rope  attached.  The  enormous  bag  was  only 
partially  inflated,  and  the  loose  folds  opened  and 
shut  with  a  sharp  report  like  that  of  a  pistol. 
Noisily,  fitfully,  the  great  yellow  mass  rose  toward 
the  sky,  the  basket  rocking  like  a  feather  in  the 
breeze.  Presently  a  sound  came  from  overhead 
like  the  explosion  of  a  shell — the  cable  had  snapped 
asunder,  and  the  balloon  was  adrift. 

All  eyes  were  turned  toward  the  receding  car, 
where  General  Porter  sat  in  his  aerial  castle,  being 
borne  heavenward  as  fast  as  if  on  eagle  wings, 
without  the  power  either  to  check  or  guide  his 
upward  flight. 

The  whole  army  was  agitated  by  this  unwonted 
occurrence,  and  the  rebel  army  evidently  partook 
in  the  general  excitement. 

Lowe's  voice  could  be  heard  above  the  confu 
sion  and  tumult  shouting  to  the  soaring  hero — • 
"  Open — the — valve !  Climb — to — the — netting 

— reach — the  valve — rope !  " 
The  valve — the  valve !  "  repeated  a  multitude 


PORTER'S  FLIGHT.  375 

of  voices,  but  all  in  vain,  for  it  was  impossible  to 
make  him  hear. 

Soon  the  signal  corps  began  to  operate,  and  at 
last  the  general  was  made  to  understand  by  sig 
nals  when  it  was  impossible  to  reach  him  by  the 
human  voice. 

He  appeared  directly  over  the  edge  of  the  car, 
and  then  clambered  up  the  netting  and  reached 
for  the  cord,  but  he  was  so  far  above  us  then  he 
looked  no  bigger  than  a  great  black  spider. 

It  was  a  weird  spectacle — that  frail,  fading  ob 
ject  floating  in  the  azure  sky,  with  the  miniature 
boat  swinging  silently  beneath,  looking  no  bigger 
than  a  humming-bird's  nest ;  and  a  hundred  thou 
sand  brave  hearts  beneath  beating  with  the  wild 
est  excitement  and  warmest  sympathy,  yet  power 
less  to  render  the  least  assistance  to  their  exalted 
brother-in-arms. 

u  Had  the  general  been  floating  down  the  rapids 
of  Niagara  he  could  not  have  been  farther  from 
human  assistance." 

We  at  length  saw  him  descend  from  the  netting 
and  reappear  over  the  edge  of  the  basket,  and  he 
Deemed  to  be  motioning  to  the  breathless  crowd 
below  the  story  of  his  failure. 

Soon  after  the  balloon  began  slowly  to  descend, 
and  when  we  next  saw  him  it  was  with  spyglass 
in  hand,  reconnoitering  the  rebel  works.  Shouts 
of  joy  and  laughter  went  up  from  the  long  lines 
of  spectators  as  this  cool  procedure  was  observed. 


376  COOL    COURAGE. 

For  a  moment  it  seemed  doubtful  in  which  di 
rection  the  balloon  would  float ;  it  faltered  like  an 
irresolute  being,  and  at  length  moved  reluctantly 
toward  Fortress  Monroe.  Bursting  cheers,  half 
uttered,  quivered  on  every  lip.  All  eyes  glistened, 
and  many  were  dim  with  tears.  But  the  wayward 
canvas  now  turned  due  west,  and  was  blown  ra 
pidly  toward  the  confederate  works. 

Its  course  was  fitfully  direct,  and  the  wind 
seemed  to  veer  often,  as  if  contrary  currents,  con 
scious  of  the  opportunity,  were  struggling  for  the 
possession  of  the  daring  navigator. 

The  south  wind  held  the  mastery  for  awhile, 
and  the  balloon  passed  the  Federal  front  amid 
groans  of  despair  from  the  soldiers.  It  kept  right 
on,  over  sharpshooters,  rifle-pits,  etc.,  until  it  stood 
directly  over  the  rebel  fortifications  at  York  town. 
The  cool  courage,  either  of  heroism  or  despair, 
seemed  to  seize  the  general,  for  turning  his  tre 
mendous  glass  upon  the  ramparts  and  masked  bat 
teries  below,  he  viewed  the  remote  camps,  the 
beleaguered  town,  the  guns  of  Gloucester  Point, 
and  distant  Norfolk.  Had  he  been  reconnoitering 
from  a  secure  perch  on  the  top  of  the  moon  he 
could  not  have  been  more  vigilant ;  and  the  Con 
federates  probably  thought  this  some  Yankee  de 
vice  to  peer  into  their  sanctum  in  spite  of  ball  or 
shell.  None  of  their  large  guns  could  be  brought 
to  bear  upon  the  balloon,  but  there  were  some  dis 
charges  of  musketry,  which  seemed  to  have  no 


INTERESTING    SCENE.  377 

effect  whatever,  and  finally  even  these  demonstra 
tions  ceased. 

Both  armies  were  gazing  aloft  in  breathless  sus 
pense,  while  the  deliberate  general  continued  to 
spy  out  the  land. 

Suddenly  another  change  of  position,  and  the 
air  craft  plunged  and  tacked  about,  and  steered 
rapidly  for  the  Federal  lines  again.  Making  a  des 
perate  effort  to  catch  the  valve-rope,  the  general 
at  length  succeeded,  and  giving  it  a  jerk,  the  bal 
loon  came  suddenly  to  the  ground ;  fortunately, 
however,  it  struck  a  tent  as  it  descended,  which 
perhaps  saved  the  general  from  any  serious  injuries 
from  the  fall. 

By  the  time  the  crowd  had  reached  the  spot, 
Porter  had  disentangled  himself  from  the  folds  of 
oiled  canvas,  and  was  ready  to  greet  his  anxious 
friends ;  and  amid  hearty  congratulations  and  vo 
ciferous  cheers,  he  was  escorted  to  his  quarters. 

As  this  chapter  is  devoted  to  incidents  in  camp, 
I  will  try  to  illustrate  the  variety  of  interesting 
events  with  which  our  camps  abound. 

After  one  of  the  most  severe  battles  ever  fought 
in  Virginia,  and  while  our  troops  were  still  rejoic 
ing  over  their  victory,  a  young  soldier  sought  the 
chaplain  for  the  purpose  of  religious  conversation. 
Said  the  chaplain:  "The  tears  were  in  his  eyes, 
and  his  lips  trembled  with  emotion.  I  knew  that 
he  was  in  earnest.  We  knelt  down  together  and 
I  prayed  with  him,  and  he  prayed  for  himself.  In 


378  A    BAPTISM. 

this  manner  we  spent  several  hours,  pleading  with 
God  in  his  behalf,  until  light  broke  through  the 
darkness,  and  he  arose  from  his  knees  praising 
God." 

Wishing  to  manifest  by  some  outward  sign  his 
consecration  to  God  and  to  His  service,  he  re 
quested  the  chaplain  to  baptize  him  by  immersion. 
The  next  day  being  the  Sabbath  his  request  was 
complied  with,  in  the  presence  of  thousands  of  his 
comrades. 

The  scene  was  a  most  solemn  one,  and  after  the 
ordinance  was  administered  there  was  scarcely  a 
dry  eye  in  the  company  to  which  he  belonged. 

In  the  evening  one  of  the  delegates  of  the 
Christian  Commission  preached  to  an  immense 
congregation  of  grim  warriors  seated  on  the 
ground — a  little  pine  grove  for  a  church,  the 
great  blue  dome  of  heaven  for  galleries,  and  the 
clear,  bright  moon  for  a  chandelier. 

The  scene  was  a  magnificent  one.  A  little  to 
the  right  lay  a  cloud  of  white  canvas  tents  shining 
in  the  moonlight,  and  just  below,  in  plain  sight, 
were  the  transports  dotting  the  water,  with  their 
gleaming  lights  and  star-spangled  banners  floating 
in  the  evening  breeze.  All  combined  to  make  the 
scene  beautiful  and  interesting. 

The  discourse  was  excellent  and  well  chosen, 
and  the  men  listened  with  profound  attention,  and 
t  have  no  doubt  with  much  profit.  Then  was  sung 

Lord,  dismiss  us  with  thy  blessing, 


A   WEDDING.  379 

and  the  benediction  being  pronounced,  the  vast 
assembly  marched  to  their  quarters  as  solemnly  as 
if  going  from  a  funeral. 

Next  came  a  wedding !  Yes ;  a  real  wedding 
in  camp.  You  must  know  that  when  military  ne 
cessity  prevents  our  young  heroes  from  going 
home  to  fulfill  their  engagements  to  their  devoted 
fair  ones,  it  is  the  privilege  of  the  waiting  dam 
sels,  in  war  times,  to  remove  all  unnecessary  ob 
stacles,  and  facilitate  matters  by  declaring  them 
selves  in  favor  of  the  union,  and  claiming  their 
lovers  on  the  field. 

This  wedding  was  a  grand  affair,  and  took  place 
in  a  camp  which  was  very  prettily  decorated, 
being  picturesquely  arranged  among  pine  trees — 
just  the  most  romantic  place  imaginable  for  such 
an  event. 

A  little  before  noon  the  guests  began  to  arrive 
in  large  numbers.  Among  them  were  Generals 
Hooker,  Sickles,  Carr,  Mott,  Hobart,  Ward,  Revere, 
Bar  tie  tt,  Birney,  and  Berry. 

The  troops,  looking  their  very  best,  formed  a 
hollow  square,  in  the  center  of  which  a  canopy  was 
erected,  and  an  altar  formed  of  drums. 

As  the  generals  marched  into  the  square — Gen 
eral  Hooker  leading  the  van — and  grouped  them 
selves  on  each  side  of  the  altar,  the  bands  struck 
up  "Hail  to  the  Chief," and  on  the  appearance  of 
the  bridal  party  the  "Wedding  March"  was 
played. 


380  GAY    TIMES. 

The  day  was  cold  and  windy,  with  a  few  snow- 
flakes  interspersed,  which  made  the  ladies  in  at 
tendance  look  very  much  like  "blue  noses";  but 
the  blushing  bride  bore  the  cold  and  the  ad 
miring  glances  of  the  soldiers  like  a  martyr,  and 
retained  her  dignity  and  self-possession  throughout 
the  ceremony  worthy  of  a  heroine,  as  she  was. 

To  add  to  the  dramatic  effect  of  the  scene,  a 
line  of  battle  was  formed  by  the  remaining  troops 
in  that  section,  a  short  distance  from  camp,  to  re 
pel  an  expected  attack  of  the  enemy. 

The  ceremony  having  been  performed,  dinner 
was  announced,  and  all  partook  of  the  good  things 
provided  for  the  occasion. 

After  dinner,  came  numerous  toasts,  speeches, 
songs,  and  music  from  the  bands,  and,  to  close  up 
the  day  in  good  style,  a  regular  military  ball  was 
held,  and  fireworks  exhibited  in  the  evening — 
"and  on  the  whole,"  a  newspaper  correspondent 
says,  u  it  entirely  eclipsed  an  opera  at  the  Acade 
my  of  Music." 

I  have  before  alluded  to  the  vindictive  spirit 
manifested  by  the  women  of  Virginia  toward  our 
soldiers.  I  will  illustrate  this  fact  by  an  incident 
which  took  place  in  one  of  the  hospitals  just  after 
a  severe  battle. 

Many  wounded  soldiers,  both  Union  and  Con 
federate,  were  brought  into  the  town  of  Winches 
ter,  and  placed  in  the  churches  and  court-house 
side  by  side. 


SPIRIT     OF    REVENGE.  381 

The  ladies  (beg  pardon,  ladies,  I  mean  females) 
of  that  place  brought  into  the  hospital  many  things 
to  nourish  and  tempt  the  appetites  of  the  sufferers, 
but  they  gave  all  these  delicacies  to  the  Confeder 
ate  soldiers :  our  men  were  passed  by  as  unworthy 
of  notice  or  sympathy. 

One  day  a  lady,  who  had  been  a  constant  visit 
or,  brought  in  a  supply  of  fragrant  tea.  She  went 
from  one  cot  to  another  of  her  friends,  but  had  no 
eye  or  heart  of  pity  for  others. 

One  of  our  wounded  men,  who  lay  near  his  end, 
longed  for  a  cup  of  this  tea  as  he  saw  it  handed  to 
those  around  him,  and  requested  the  chaplain,  who 
stood  by  his  side,  to  ask  the  lady  for  a  little  of 
the  tea. 

He  did  so  in  a  very  polite  manner,  at  the  same 
time  telling  her  how  ill  the  man  was,  and  that  it  was 
the  soldier  himself  who  wished  him  to  make  the 
request. 

"No,"  said  she,  and  her  face  flushed  with  an 
ger  ;  u  not  a  drop  of  it ;  this  tea  is  all  for  our  suf 
fering  martyrs." 

The  chaplain  replied  :  "  Madam,  I  looked  for  no 
other  answer.  I  beg  pardon  for  having  seemed 
for  a  moment  to  expect  a  different  one." 

A  few  moments  afterwards,  as  the  poor  disap 
pointed  man  lay  there  seeing  the  delicious  tea 
passed  on  all  sides  of  him  and  could  not  procure 
a  drop  of  it,  an  old  lame  negro  woman  came  limp 
ing  up  the  aisle  with  a  large  basket  on  each  arm. 


382  SABLE     HEROINE. 

Coming  up  to  where  the  chaplain  stood,  she 
laid  down  the  baskets  and  addressed  him  thus : 

"Massa,  I'se  a  slave — my  husban'  and  chil'en  is 
slaves.  Will  you  'cept  dese  tings  for  de  poor  men  ?" 

Then  taking  up  a  roll  of  stockings,  she  said: 
"  Dem  I  knit  wid  my  own  hands  for  de  soldiers, 
when  all  sleep,  in  my  cabin.  We  know'd  dis  war 
was  comin'  long  'fore  you  Yankees  did.  We  see 
it  'preaching,  an'  we  began  to  prepare  for  it." 

Then  taking  packages  of  tea,  cans  of  fruit,  pears 
and  peaches,  lint,  linen  for  bandages,  and  pocket- 
handkerchiefs,  she  said:  "Massa,  permit  me  to 
give  you  dese  for  de  poor  men.  I  have  not  stole 
'em.  My  own  hands  have  earned  'em  over  de 
vvashtub.  I  wish  to  do  something  for  de  Union 
soldiers,  Lord  bless  'em !  " 

"  As  she  talked,"  says  the  chaplain,  "she  grew 
more  earnest,  and  looking  around  on  the  mutilated 
men  the  tears  rolled  down  her  black  face,  and  fell 
on  her  hands,  as  she  lifted  the  treasures  out  of  the 
baskets  and  handed  them  to  me." 

Our  sick  men  looked  with  wonder  and  admira 
tion  on  the  old  colored  woman,  and  soon  a  hun 
dred  voices  cried  out  "  God  bless  you,  aunty ! 
You  are  the  only  white  woman  we  have  seen  since 
we  came  to  Winchester." 

Some  people  assert  that  colored  people  have  no 
souls.  Which,  think  you,  acted  most  as  if  lacking 
soul — the  black  or  the  white  woman  in  the  hospi 
tal  at  Winchester? 


COLORED     SOLDIERS.  383 

The  devotion  of  the  negro  woman,  as  manifested 
in  the  hospital,  is  a  perfect  sample  of  the  devotion 
of  the  contrabands,  male  and  female,  to  the  Union 
cause. 

And  now  that  the  time  has  come  when  the 
colored  men  are  permitted,  by  the  laws  of  the 
land,  to  assume  the  privileges  of  rational  beings, 
and  to  go  forth  as  American  soldiers  to  meet  their 
cruel  oppressors  on  the  bloody  field,  there  is  evi 
dently  as  great,  if  not  greater,  enthusiasm  and  true 
patriotism  manifested  by  them,  as  by  any  troops 
in  the  United  States  army. 

And  still  further — it  has  been  proved  satisfacto 
rily  within  the  last  twelve  months  that  the  colored 
troops  endure  fatigue  as  cheerfully  and  fight  as 
well  (and  get  less  pay)  as  any  of  the  white  troops. 
Thank  God,  this  is  one  great  point  gained  for  the 
poor  down-trodden  descendants  of  Africa. 

I  imagine  I  see  them,  with  their  great  shiny 
eyes  and  grinning  faces,  as  they  march  to  the  field, 
singing— 

Oh!  we're  de  bully  soldiers  of  de  "First  of  Arkansas," 
We  are  fightin'  for  de  Union,  we  are  fightin'  for  de  law, 
We  can  hit  a  rebel  furder  dan  a  white  man  eber  saw, 

As  we  go  marchin'  on  : 

Glory,  glory,  hallelujah,  etc. 

See  dar!  above  de  center,  where  de  flag  is  wavin'  bright; 
We  are  goin'  out  of  slavery ;  we  are  bound  for  freedom's  light; 
We  mean  to  show  Jeff.  Davis  how  de  Africans  can  fight  I 

Glory,  glory,  hallelujah, 

Glory,  glory,  hallelujah, 

Glory,  glory,  hallelujah, 

As  we  go  marching  on. 


384  CONCLUSION. 

And  now,  what  shall  I  say  in  conclusion  ?  The 
war  still  continues — our  soldiers  are  daily  falling 
in  battle,  and  thousands  are  languishing  in  hospi 
tals  or  in  Southern  prisons ;  and  I  for  months  past 
have  not  given  even  a  cup  of  cold  water  to  the 
sufferers.  I  am  ashamed  to  acknowledge  it !  But 
when  I  look  around  and  see  the  streets  crowded 
with  strong,  healthy  young  men  who  ought  to  be 
foremost  in  the  ranks  of  their  country's  defenders, 
I  am  not  only  ashamed,  but  I  am  indignant ! 

To  prove  to  my  friends  that  I  am  not  ambitious 
of  gaining  the  reputation  of  that  venerable  gene 
ral  (Halleck)  whose  u  pen  is  mightier  than  his 
sword,"  I  am  about  to  return  to  the  army  to  offer 
my  services  in  any  capacity  which  will  best  pro 
mote  the  interests  of  the  Federal  cause — no  matter 
how  perilous  the  position  may  be. 

And  now  I  lay  aside  my  pen,  hoping  that  after 
"this  cruel  war  is  over,"  and  peace  shall  have 
once  more  shed  her  sweet  influence  over  our  land, 
I  may  be  permitted  to  resume  it  again  to  record 
the  annihilation  of  rebellion,  and  the  final  triumph 
of  Truth,  Right,  and  Liberty. 

0  Lord  of  Pence,  who  art  Lord  of  Righteousness, 
Constrain  the  anguished  worlds  from  sin  and  grief, 
Pierce  them  with  conscience,  purge  them  with  redress, 

AND  GIVE  US  PEACE  WHICH  IS  NO  COUNTERFEIT  1 


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